St. Louis, MO Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

407.300. Certain materials, collectors and dealers to keep register, information required — catalytic converter transaction, limit on location — stolen catalytic converter, purchase of, penalties — exempt transactions. — 1. Every purchaser or collector of, or dealer in, junk, scrap metal, or any secondhand property who obtains items for resale or profit shall keep a register containing a written or electronic record for each purchase or trade in which each type of material subject to the provisions of this section is obtained for value. There shall be a separate record for each transaction involving any: (1) Copper, brass, or bronze; (2) Aluminum wire, cable, pipe, tubing, bar, ingot, rod, fitting, or fastener; [...] (4) Detached catalytic converter; or (5) Motor vehicle, heavy equipment, or tractor battery. 2. The record required by this section shall contain the following data: (1) A copy of the driver's license or photo identification issued by the state or by the United States government or agency thereof of the person from whom the material is obtained; [...] (3) The date, time, and place of the transaction; (4) The license plate number of the vehicle used by the seller during the transaction; and (5) A full description of the material, including the weight and purchase price. 3. The records required under this section shall be maintained for a minimum of thirty-six months from when such material is obtained and shall be available for inspection by any law enforcement officer. 4. No transaction that includes a detached catalytic converter shall occur at any location other than the fixed place of business of the purchaser or collector of, or dealer in, junk, scrap metal, or any secondhand property. No detached catalytic converter shall be altered, modified, disassembled, or destroyed until it has been in the purchaser's, collector's, or dealer's possession for five business days.