S. C. State Law (16-11-523) requires an individual to have a permit in order to transport or sell any amount of nonferrous metal. Nonferrous metals are metals not containing significant quantities of iron or steel. They include copper wire, copper clad steel wire, copper pipe, copper bars, copper sheeting and aluminum; a product that is a mixture of aluminum and copper; catalytic converters; and stainless steel beer kegs or containers.

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To obtain a permit, free of charge, appear in person at the Oconee County Sheriff's Department:

Location:

Oconee County Sheriff's Office

300 South Church Street

Walhalla, SC 29691

Office: 864-638-4111

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Permits will be issued Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. Office will be closed on county holidays. The Permit is valid for two years.

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You may download your application below.

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The Following items are required to be brought with you to receive a valid permit: 

1. Valid Driver's License or state-issued ID (Address must match your DMV record of the place you reside)

2. License plate number and valid vehicle registration.

3. Filled out Application

 

Please note the following regarding Nonferrous Metal Permits:

• Permits are issued by the Sheriff's Office in the county in which the individual resides.

• Permits for Oconee County residents are issued only at the Oconee County Sheriff's Department.

• Permits are non-transferable - meaning it cannot be transferred between people.

• Permit will be valid for two years

• No permit is required to recycle aluminum cans.

No person, corporation, or partnership who buys precious metals from the general public, whether in bulk or in manufactured form, with an intent to obtain a monetary profit for himself or for a principal, shall operate in the State of South Carolina, unless he first obtains a permit to engage in the business of purchasing precious metals from a local law enforcement agency and operates only from a permanent place of business. No dealer shall operate on public property from a vehicle, flea market, hotel room, or similar temporary location. Application should be typewritten or clearly printed in ink. All questions must be answered. If the space provided is insufficient, attach sheets of the same size to the application and number answers to correspond to questions.

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The Precious Metal Permit application can be downloaded below.

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The Following items are required to be brought with you to receive a valid permit:

1. Valid Driver's License or state-issued ID (Address must match your DMV record of the place you reside)

2. Check or Money Order: Made out to Oconee County Sheriff's Office -> Total Cost: $50

3. Filled out Precious Metal Permit application

4. Copy of lease or deed to establish permanency of the business.

 

Please note the following regarding Precious Metal Permits:

• Precious Metal Permit must be renewed yearly.

• Precious Metal Permit must be posted at your place of business

 

You may contact the Front Desk Sergeant at 864-638-4447 for questions pertaining to the Precious Metal Permit Application.

 

Oconee County Sheriff's Office

300 South Church Street

Walhalla, SC 29691

Office: 864-638-4111

A Secondary Metals Recycler Application for a Permit to Purchase Nonferrous Metals can be downloaded below.

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The Following items are required to be brought with you to receive a valid permit:

1. Valid Driver's License or state-issued ID (Address must match your DMV record of the place you reside)

2. Check or Money Order: Made out to Oconee County Sheriff's Office -> Total Cost: $200

3. Filled out Secondary Metals Recycler Application

 

You may contact the Front Desk Sergeant at 864-638-4447 for questions pertaining to the Precious Metal Permit Application.

 

Oconee County Sheriff's Office

300 South Church Street

Walhalla, SC 29691

Office: 864-638-4111