State-by-state comparison of the laws passed 2021-2024 restricting who may buy, sell, or possess a detached catalytic converter, in response to a national wave of theft. Each record is one state with: whether the sale of a detached converter to anyone other than a licensed/registered recycler or core buyer is restricted or banned outright; what documentation a seller must produce (proof of ownership, vehicle title/VIN match, driver's license); whether the converter or vehicle VIN must be etched/marked or a photo/record kept by the buyer; any mandatory holding period before a purchased converter can be resold or scrapped; and the criminal penalty tier (often graduated by quantity possessed). Answers 'can I legally sell a catalytic converter I removed myself', 'what do I need to bring to sell a converter as scrap', and 'is possessing multiple detached converters a felony in my state'. This is a genuinely different regulatory design per state, not just different penalty numbers on the same form: Arizona bans sale to anyone but a licensed recycler with narrow exceptions; Georgia requires a registered recycler plus ownership documentation; Minnesota adds a mandatory marking/registration regime, a 7-day holding period, and quantity-tiered felony thresholds; Virginia makes unauthorized sale a felony unless sold to a compliant purchaser; California lists six categories of lawful seller and lets a private owner sell their own converter on a title or registration whose VIN matches the marking; Washington requires the last eight VIN digits to be stamped on the converter within 24 hours of removal and splits the penalty at seven converters; Louisiana lets an unlicensed person deal only in the converters from one vehicle they own.

Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** Arizona

**Who may buy a detached converter:** Unlawful for any person to purchase, solicit, advertise, possess or sell a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter, except by an automotive recycler licensed pursuant to title 28, chapter 10 in its ordinary course of business, in a transaction with an industrial account or another scrap metal dealer, after release is authorized by a peace officer, or by a commercial motor vehicle parts or repair business in its ordinary course of business

**Marking or buyer recordkeeping requirement:** A used detached catalytic converter purchased as a vehicle repair part shall be marked with the date the catalytic converter was removed from the vehicle and the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which it was removed, or an alternative number under a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by law enforcement; a person that purchases a used detached catalytic converter shall electronically submit to the department of public safety a record of each transaction

**Criminal penalty:** A violation of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor, except that a violation of subsection A of this section involving the unlawful possession of ten or more used detached catalytic converters is a class 6 felony.

**Statutory citation:** 13-3728

> 13-3728. Unlawful purchase, solicitation, advertisement, possession or sale of used detached catalytic converter; classification; definition A. It is unlawful for a person to purchase, solicit, advertise, possess or sell a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter. B. Subsection A of this section does not apply to: 1. The possession or sale of a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter by an automotive recycler that is licensed pursuant to title 28, chapter 10 if the possession or sale is in the automotive recycler's ordinary course of business. 2. The purchase or sale of a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter as prescribed by section 44-1642.01 that are acquired in a transaction with an industrial account, with another scrap metal dealer or after the used detached catalytic converter or the nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter are authorized for release by a peace officer of the jurisdiction in which the transaction occurs, except that a solicitation or advertisement for a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter may be made only for industrial accounts. 3. The possession or sale of a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter by a commercial motor vehicle parts or repair business that sells or installs new catalytic converters if the possession or sale is in the business's ordinary course of business. A commercial motor vehicle parts or repair business may purchase a used detached catalytic converter being sold as a vehicle repair part in compliance with United States environmental protection agency policy. The used detached catalytic converter in compliance with United States environmental protection agency policy shall be marked with the date the catalytic converter was removed from the vehicle, the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed or an alternative number to the vehicle identification number. If an alternative number is used, the alternative number must be under a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by law enforcement. C. A person that purchases a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter shall electronically submit to the department of public safety a record of each transaction relating to a used detached catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter in accordance with section 44-1644. D. A violation of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor, except that a violation of subsection A of this section involving the unlawful possession of ten or more used detached catalytic converters is a class 6 felony. E. For the purposes of this section, "catalytic converter" has the same meaning prescribed in section 44-1642.01.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03728.htm>

Arizona — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** California

**Who may buy a detached converter:** No person shall purchase a used catalytic converter, including for the purpose of dismantling, recycling, or smelting, except from an automobile dismantler licensed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 11500) of Division 5, a core recycler as defined in Section 21610 of the Business and Professions Code that maintains a fixed place of business, a motor vehicle manufacturer, dealer, or lessor-retailer licensed pursuant to Division 5, an automotive repair dealer licensed pursuant to Chapter 20.3 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, any other licensed business that may reasonably generate, possess, or sell used catalytic converters, or an individual possessing documentation that they are the lawful owner of the used catalytic converter

**Documentation a seller must provide:** An individual possessing documentation that they are the lawful owner of the used catalytic converter, including, but not limited to, a certificate of title or registration that identifies the individual as the legal or registered owner of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was detached, and that includes a vehicle identification number that matches the vehicle identification number permanently marked on the catalytic converter

**Criminal penalty:** A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction by a fine, as follows: for a first offense, by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000); for a second offense, by a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000); for a third or subsequent offense, by a fine of four thousand dollars ($4,000)

**Statutory citation:** 10852.5

> (a) No person shall purchase a used catalytic converter, including for the purpose of dismantling, recycling, or smelting, except from any of the following: (1) An automobile dismantler licensed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 11500) of Division 5. (2) A core recycler, as defined in Section 21610 of the Business and Professions Code, that maintains a fixed place of business and has obtained the catalytic converter pursuant to that section. (3) A motor vehicle manufacturer, dealer, or lessor-retailer licensed pursuant to Division 5 (commencing with Section 11100). (4) An automotive repair dealer licensed pursuant to Chapter 20.3 (commencing with Section 9880) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. (5) Any other licensed business that may reasonably generate, possess, or sell used catalytic converters. (6) An individual possessing documentation that they are the lawful owner of the used catalytic converter, including, but not limited to, a certificate of title or registration that identifies the individual as the legal or registered owner of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was detached, and that includes a vehicle identification number that matches the vehicle identification number permanently marked on the catalytic converter. (b) As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) “Permanently marked” means prominently engraved, etched, welded, metal stamped, acid marked, or otherwise permanently displayed using a similarly reliable method of imparting a lasting mark on the exterior case of the catalytic converter. (2) “Used catalytic converter” means a catalytic converter that has been previously installed on a vehicle and has been detached. It does not include a reconditioned or refurbished catalytic converter being sold at retail. (c) A violation of this section is punishable as an infraction by a fine, as follows: (1) For a first offense, by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). (2) For a second offense, by a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000). (3) For a third or subsequent offense, by a fine of four thousand dollars ($4,000).

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=10852.5.>

California — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** Georgia

**Who may buy a detached converter:** A secondary metals recycler may purchase a catalytic converter only if it is attached to a vehicle, or is purchased from a licensed used motor vehicle dealer or used motor vehicle parts dealer, a new motor vehicle dealer, a motor vehicle repairer, a manufacturer or distributor of catalytic converters, a seller holding replacement documentation and proof of vehicle ownership, or a registered secondary metals recycler; and it is unlawful for any person to purchase a used, detached catalytic converter unless that person is a registered secondary metals recycler

**Documentation a seller must provide:** A dealer, repairer, manufacturer or distributor must provide a copy of its valid license or business license at the time of the purchase transaction, which is scanned or photocopied by the secondary metals recycler; any other seller must provide verifiable documentation, such as a receipt or work order, indicating that the catalytic converter is the result of a replacement performed by a used motor vehicle dealer, new motor vehicle dealer, or motor vehicle repairer, noting the make, model, and year of the vehicle, together with a copy of a certificate of title or registration showing ownership of or interest in that vehicle

**Marking or buyer recordkeeping requirement:** The secondary metals recycler must scan or photocopy the seller's license or business license, or hold it on file; a registered secondary metals recycler must provide the required information concerning the purchase transaction to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation pursuant to Code Section 10-1-359.5

**Statutory citation:** 10-1-351

> (c) No secondary metals recycler shall purchase a catalytic converter unless such catalytic converter is: (1) Attached to a vehicle; or (2) Purchased from: (A) A used motor vehicle dealer or used motor vehicle parts dealer licensed pursuant to Chapter 47 of Title 43 or by another state that provides a copy of such valid license at the time of the purchase transaction that is scanned or photocopied by the secondary metals recycler or whose scanned or photocopied license is on file with the secondary metals recycler; (B) A new motor vehicle dealer that provides a copy of a valid business license at the time of the purchase transaction that is scanned or photocopied by the secondary metals recycler or whose scanned or photocopied business license is on file with the secondary metals recycler; (C) A motor vehicle repairer that provides a copy of a valid business license at the time of the purchase transaction that is scanned or photocopied by the secondary metals recycler or whose scanned or photocopied business license is on file with the secondary metals recycler; (D) A manufacturer or distributor of catalytic converters that provides a copy of a valid business license at the time of the purchase transaction that is scanned or photocopied by the secondary metals recycler or whose scanned or photocopied business license is on file with the secondary metals recycler; (E) A seller with: (i) Verifiable documentation, such as a receipt or work order, indicating that the catalytic converter is the result of a replacement of a catalytic converter performed by a used motor vehicle dealer, new motor vehicle dealer, or motor vehicle repairer. Such documentation shall include a notation as to the make, model, and year of the vehicle in which such catalytic converter was replaced; and (ii) A copy of a certificate of title or registration showing ownership of or interest in the vehicle in which the catalytic converter was replaced; or (F) A secondary metals recycler who provides proof of registration pursuant to <https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=L&originatingContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&pubNum=1000468&refType=LQ&originatingDoc=I637d1ce05d9811ee9251f880f15176e5&cite=GAST10-1-359.1> Code Section 10-1-359.1 and a signed statement stating that the required information concerning the purchase transaction involving such catalytic converter was provided by such secondary metals recycler to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation pursuant to <https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=L&originatingContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&pubNum=1000468&refType=LQ&originatingDoc=I637d1ce15d9811ee9251f880f15176e5&cite=GAST10-1-359.5> Code Section 10-1-359.5 . (d)(1) As used in this subsection, the term “ used, detached catalytic converter ” means motor vehicle exhaust system parts that are used for controlling the exhaust emissions from motor vehicles and that contain a catalyst metal, but shall not include a catalytic converter that has been tested, certified, and labeled for reuse, in accordance with applicable federal Clean Air Act regulations, as may from time to time be amended. (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to purchase or to solicit or advertise for the purchase of a used, detached catalytic converter, or any nonferrous metal parts of a catalytic converter, unless such person is a registered secondary metals recycler in accordance with <https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=L&originatingContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&pubNum=1000468&refType=LQ&originatingDoc=I637d92105d9811ee9251f880f15176e5&cite=GAST10-1-359.1> Code Section 10-1-359.1 and in full compliance with all requirements prescribed by this article. (3) It shall be unlawful for any person to purchase, possess, transport, or sell a used, detached catalytic converter, or any nonferrous metal parts of a catalytic converter, unless such person is authorized to purchase, possess, transport, or sell catalytic converters pursuant to subsection (c) of this Code section and is in possession of the licenses, registrations, or other documentation required by subsection (c) of this Code section. (4) Each unlawfully possessed or obtained used, detached catalytic converter shall be considered a separate offense.

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-10-commerce-and-trade/ga-code-sect-10-1-351/>

Georgia — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** Louisiana

**Who may buy a detached converter:** It is unlawful for any person not licensed as a dealer by the commission pursuant to this Chapter to possess, obtain, or otherwise acquire, transport, or sell more than the used or detached catalytic converters from one vehicle owned by the person or any nonferrous part of a catalytic converter without providing all of the following documentation to law enforcement upon request

**Statutory citation:** 37:1895

> A. Except as otherwise provided for in this Section, it is unlawful for any person not licensed as a dealer by the commission pursuant to this Chapter to possess, obtain, or otherwise acquire, transport, or sell more than the used or detached catalytic converters from one vehicle owned by the person or any nonferrous part of a catalytic converter without providing all of the following documentation to law enforcement upon request:

Source: <https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1297004>

Louisiana — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** Minnesota

**Who may buy a detached converter:** It is unlawful for a person who is not a registered scrap metal dealer to purchase or acquire a used catalytic converter that is not EPA certified for reuse as a replacement part except when the catalytic converter is attached to a motor vehicle; a used catalytic converter that is EPA certified for reuse as a replacement part may be sold to a person or business for reuse as a replacement part for a motor vehicle when the marking requirements are met

**Documentation a seller must provide:** The seller must provide a copy of the vehicle's title or registration in order to demonstrate the seller's ownership interest in the property; a bona fide business engaged in vehicle dismantling, vehicle demolishing, scrap metal recycling, or automotive repair services may instead provide an itemized list of each detached catalytic converter being sold that includes the donor vehicle identification number or a unique alternative number, and the date of the removal of each catalytic converter

**Marking or buyer recordkeeping requirement:** The converter must be marked with the date the converter was removed from the vehicle and the identification number of the vehicle from which the converter was removed, or an alternative number under a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by law enforcement; the scrap metal dealer must record that information, make it available upon request to law enforcement, and, effective beginning August 1, 2024, enter the information into an electronic database available to a law enforcement agency as approved by the commissioner of public safety

**Mandatory holding period before resale:** A scrap metal dealer is prohibited from processing, selling, or removing a catalytic converter from the dealer's premises for at least seven days after the catalytic converter purchase or acquisition by the scrap metal dealer.

**Criminal penalty:** Misdemeanor if the person possesses, purchases, or acquires one catalytic converter; gross misdemeanor for two; felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of not more than $10,000 for at least three but not more than ten; felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten years or a fine of not more than $20,000 for more than ten but not more than 70; and felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years or a fine of not more than $100,000 for more than 70

**Statutory citation:** 325E.21

> Subd. 6. Criminal penalty. (a) A person who intentionally violates a provision of this section, except for subdivision 11, 12, or 13, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) A person who violates subdivision 11, 12, or 13 is guilty of a: (1) misdemeanor, if the person possesses, purchases, or acquires one catalytic converter; (2) gross misdemeanor, if the person possesses, purchases, or acquires two catalytic converters; (3) felony, and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the person possesses, purchases, or acquires at least three but not more than ten catalytic converters; (4) felony, and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both, if the person possesses, purchases, or acquires more than ten but not more than 70 catalytic converters; and (5) felony, and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $100,000, or both, if the person possesses, purchases, or acquires more than 70 catalytic converters. The number of catalytic converters possessed, purchased, or acquired by a person within any six month period may be aggregated and the person charged accordingly. When two or more offenses are committed by the same person in two or more counties, the person may be prosecuted in any county in which one of the offenses was committed for all of the offenses aggregated under this paragraph. § Subd. 6a. Restitution. When the court imposes a criminal penalty pursuant to subdivision 6, and orders the offender to pay restitution to any identifiable victim, the amount of the out-of-pocket losses considered by the court must include the costs and expenses of replacing a catalytic converter and may include any other restitution costs allowed under section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/611A.04> 611A.04 . § Subd. 7. Exemption. A scrap metal dealer may purchase aluminum cans without complying with this section. § Subd. 8. Investigative holds; confiscation of property. (a) Whenever a law enforcement official from any agency has probable cause to believe that property in the possession of a scrap metal dealer is stolen or is evidence of a crime and notifies the dealer not to sell the item, the scrap metal dealer shall not (1) process or sell the item, or (2) remove or allow its removal from the premises. This investigative hold must be confirmed in writing by the originating agency within 72 hours and will remain in effect for 30 days from the date of initial notification, or until the investigative hold is canceled or renewed, or until a law enforcement notification to confiscate or directive to release is issued, whichever comes first. (b) If an item is identified as stolen or evidence in a criminal case, a law enforcement official may: (1) physically confiscate and remove it from the scrap metal dealer, pursuant to a written notification; (2) place the item on hold or extend the hold under paragraph (a) and leave it in the licensed premise; or (3) direct its release to a registered owner or owner's agent. When an item is confiscated, the person doing so shall provide identification upon request of the scrap metal dealer, and shall provide the name and telephone number of the confiscating agency and investigator, and the case number related to the confiscation. (c) A dealer may request seized property be returned in accordance with section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/626.04> 626.04 . (d) When an investigative hold or notification to confiscate is no longer necessary, the law enforcement official or designee shall so notify the licensee. (e) A scrap metal dealer may process or otherwise dispose of the scrap metal if: (1) a notification to confiscate is not issued during the investigative hold; or (2) a law enforcement official does not physically remove the motor vehicle from the premises within 15 calendar days from issuance of a notification to confiscate. (f) If a scrap metal dealer is required to hold the metal at the direction of law enforcement for purposes of investigation or prosecution or it is seized by law enforcement, the scrap metal dealer, and any other victim, shall be entitled to seek restitution against the person who delivered the metal to the scrap metal dealer in any criminal case that may arise from the investigation, including any out-of-pocket expenses for storage and lost profit. § Subd. 9. Video security cameras required. (a) Each scrap metal dealer shall install and maintain at each location video surveillance cameras, still digital cameras, or similar devices positioned to record or photograph a frontal view showing a readily identifiable image of the face of each seller of scrap metal who enters the location. The scrap metal dealer shall also photograph the seller's vehicle, including license plate, either by video camera or still digital camera, so that an accurate and complete description of it may be obtained from the recordings made by the cameras. Photographs and recordings must be clearly and accurately associated with their respective records. (b) The video camera or still digital camera must be kept in operating condition and must be shown upon request to a properly identified law enforcement officer for inspection. The camera must record and display the accurate date and time. The video camera must be turned on at all times when the location is open for business and at any other time when scrap metal is purchased. (c) Recordings and images required by paragraph (a) shall be retained by the scrap metal dealer for a minimum period of 60 days and shall at all reasonable times be open to the inspection of any properly identified law enforcement officer. (d) If the scrap metal dealer does not purchase some or any scrap metal at a specific business location, the dealer need not comply with this subdivision with respect to those purchases. § Subd. 10. Preemption of local ordinances. This section preempts and supersedes any local ordinance or rule concerning the same subject matter. § Subd. 11. Prohibition on possessing catalytic converters; exception. (a) It is unlawful for a person to possess a used catalytic converter that is not attached to a motor vehicle except when: (1) the converter is marked with the date the converter was removed from the vehicle and the identification number of the vehicle from which the converter was removed or, as an alternative to the vehicle identification number, any numbers, bar codes, stickers, or other unique markings, whether resulting from the pilot project created under subdivision 2b or some other source; or (2) the converter has been EPA certified for reuse as a replacement part. (b) If an alternative number to the vehicle identification number is used, it must be under a numbering system that can be immediately linked to the vehicle identification number by law enforcement. The marking of the vehicle identification or alternative number may be made in any permanent manner, including but not limited to an engraving or use of permanent ink. The marking must clearly and legibly indicate the date removed and the vehicle identification number or the alternative number and the method by which law enforcement can link the converter to the vehicle identification number. § Subd. 12. Prohibition. It is unlawful for a person who is not a registered scrap metal dealer to purchase or acquire a used catalytic converter that is not EPA certified for reuse as a replacement part except when the catalytic converter is attached to a motor vehicle. A used catalytic converter that is EPA certified for reuse as a replacement part may be sold to a person or business for reuse as a replacement part for a motor vehicle when the requirements of subdivision 11 are met. § Subd. 13. Purchase or acquisition of catalytic converters. (a) It is unlawful for a scrap metal dealer to purchase or acquire a used catalytic converter not attached to a motor vehicle unless the converter is marked as required under subdivision 11 and the seller provides a copy of the vehicle's title or registration in order to demonstrate the seller's ownership interest in the property. A bona fide business engaged in vehicle dismantling, vehicle demolishing, scrap metal recycling, or automotive repair services may remove a converter as part of auto repair work or auto recycling without a copy of the vehicle's title or registration, if the business provides: (1) the identity of the seller's business and a written or electronic signature of the seller; (2) an itemized list of each detached catalytic converter being sold that includes the donor vehicle identification number or a unique alternative number that can be readily linked to the vehicle identification number by law enforcement; and (3) the date of the removal of each catalytic converter. The registered scrap metal dealer purchasing or acquiring the catalytic converters must keep the transaction record, along with the identity and signature of the employee completing the transaction. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a scrap metal dealer may purchase or acquire a catalytic converter from a person possessing an old vehicle that is no longer registered and titled without a copy of the registration or title, if the person has an official law enforcement report stating that the agency has verified the person's ownership prior to the removal of the converter from the vehicle. (c) A scrap metal dealer who purchases or acquires a used catalytic converter not attached to a motor vehicle must record the information received under this subdivision and subdivision 11, including the vehicle identification number or alternative number and the method by which law enforcement can link the converter to the vehicle identification number; make the information available upon request to law enforcement; and, effective beginning August 1, 2024, enter the information into an electronic database available to a law enforcement agency as approved by the commissioner of public safety. (d) A scrap metal dealer is prohibited from processing, selling, or removing a catalytic converter from the dealer's premises for at least seven days after the catalytic converter purchase or acquisition by the scrap metal dealer. (e) Paragraphs (c) and (d) do not apply to a scrap metal dealer that purchases or acquires a catalytic converter directly from a different scrap metal dealer that has certified in writing that it has fully complied with paragraphs (c) and (d) with respect to the catalytic converter. (f) A payment for a catalytic converter must not be made until at least five days after sale to the scrap metal dealer. Payment must be sent by check to the seller's address or a bank account in the seller's name. (g) Notwithstanding paragraph (f), a scrap metal dealer may pay a bona fide business engaged in vehicle dismantling, vehicle demolishing, scrap metal recycling, or automotive repair services at any time for a direct sale of a catalytic converter by the bona fide business to the scrap metal dealer. Payment must be made by check payable to the seller or deposited electronically in a bank account in the seller's name.

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325E.21>

Minnesota — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** Virginia

**Who may buy a detached converter:** Any person who sells, offers for sale, or purchases a detached catalytic converter commits a felony except when the sale, offer for sale, or purchase is made to or by a scrap metal purchaser that has adhered to the compliance provisions of subdivisions B 1 or 2 of Code section 59.1-136.3; the sale, offer for sale, or purchase of a new catalytic converter that has never been installed on a motor vehicle is not prohibited

**Criminal penalty:** Class 6 felony

**Statutory citation:** 18.2-146.1

> Any person who sells, offers for sale, or purchases a catalytic converter from a motor vehicle exhaust system that has been detached from a motor vehicle, except when such sale, offer for sale, or purchase is made to or by a scrap metal purchaser that has adhered to the compliance provisions of subdivisions B 1 or 2 of § <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/59.1-136.3/> 59.1-136.3 , is guilty of a Class 6 felony. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or purchase of a new catalytic converter that has never been installed on a motor vehicle.

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-146.1/>

Virginia — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove


**State:** Washington

**Who may buy a detached converter:** It is a gross misdemeanor for any person who is not a scrap processor licensed under chapter 46.79 RCW or vehicle wrecker licensed under chapter 46.80 RCW to knowingly possess, sell, or offer for sale six or fewer detached catalytic converters that do not comply with the marking requirements under subsection (1) of this section, and a class C felony to possess, sell, or offer for sale seven or more. It is an affirmative defense that the possessor removed the detached catalytic converter with the permission of the registered owner of the vehicle or vehicles

**Marking or buyer recordkeeping requirement:** Any person who removes a catalytic converter from a vehicle for a purpose other than maintenance, repair, or demolition, or who knowingly possesses an unmarked detached catalytic converter, must permanently mark the detached catalytic converter with the last eight digits of the originating vehicle's vehicle identification number such that at least a portion of the marking is visible from any side. The marking must be completed in a reasonable time after removal, but no later than 24 hours after removal, and before off-site transport of the detached catalytic converter

**Criminal penalty:** Gross misdemeanor for a person who is not a licensed scrap processor or vehicle wrecker to knowingly possess, sell, or offer for sale six or fewer detached catalytic converters that do not comply with the marking requirements; class C felony for seven or more. Intentionally removing, altering or obliterating the last eight digits of the originating vehicle identification number is a gross misdemeanor, and a class C felony on a previous conviction. Detached catalytic converters that are not marked as required by this section are subject to immediate seizure and forfeiture by law enforcement

**Statutory citation:** 9A.82.180

> Catalytic converters — Marking requirements — Defense. (1) Any person who removes a catalytic converter from a vehicle for a purpose other than maintenance, repair, or demolition, or who knowingly possesses an unmarked detached catalytic converter, must permanently mark the detached catalytic converter with the last eight digits of the originating vehicle's vehicle identification number such that at least a portion of the marking is visible from any side. The marking must be completed in a reasonable time after removal, but no later than 24 hours after removal, and before off-site transport of the detached catalytic converter. (2) Detached catalytic converters that are not marked as required by this section are subject to immediate seizure and forfeiture by law enforcement. (3)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, it is a gross misdemeanor for any person to intentionally remove, alter[,] or obliterate from a detached catalytic converter the last eight digits of the originating vehicle identification number, as required by subsection (1) of this section. (b) A person who intentionally removes, alters, or obliterates from a detached catalytic converter the last eight digits of the original vehicle identification number is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.20> 9A.20 RCW if the person has previously been convicted under this subsection. (4) It is a gross misdemeanor for any person who is not a scrap processor licensed under chapter <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.79> 46.79 RCW or vehicle wrecker licensed under chapter <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.80> 46.80 RCW to knowingly possess, sell, or offer for sale six or fewer detached catalytic converters that do not comply with the marking requirements under subsection (1) of this section. (5) It is a class C felony for any person who is not a scrap processor licensed under chapter <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.79> 46.79 RCW or vehicle wrecker licensed under chapter <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.80> 46.80 RCW to knowingly possess, sell, or offer for sale seven or more detached catalytic converters that do not comply with the marking requirements under subsection (1) of this section. (6) Where a case is legally sufficient to charge an alleged juvenile offender with a violation under this section, and that violation would be the alleged offender's first violation involving detached catalytic converters, the prosecutor is encouraged to divert the case pursuant to RCW <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=13.40.070> 13.40.070 . (7) It is an affirmative defense to this section that the possessor removed the detached catalytic converter with the permission of the registered owner of the vehicle or vehicles.

Source: <https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.82.180>

Washington — Catalytic converter sale and possession laws by US state — who can legally buy a used converter, and what a seller must prove