Information Provided by Seller
Seller’s responsibility
A person attempting to sell regulated metal to a Metals Recycling Entity (MRE) is required to display personal ID, provide a description and license plate number of the vehicle used to transport the regulated material, and either:
- Provide evidence in writing the person was the legal owner or lawfully was entitled to sell the regulated material; or
- Sign a written statement provided by the entity the person legally owned or was entitled to sell the material offered for sale
Information Provided by MRE
MRE's Responsibility
The MRE is required to visually verify and photocopy the seller's ID for record-keeping purposes. Additionally, the MRE is allowed to take a picture of the seller and the vehicle used to transport the material, a photo of which could be accepted in lieu of the description and license plate number, if the license plate number is clearly identifiable in the photo. The MRE would not be required to make a copy of the ID, if the seller:
- Signed a written statement evidencing ownership or authority to sell the material; or
- Had previously provided this information, and the information has not changed.
MRE Required Signage
An MRE is required to provide a notice in two-inch lettering, warning a person who wishes to sell regulated metal that written proof of ownership is required by state law.
MRE Purchase Reports
DPS maintains an electronic database that contains transactional metals purchasing data. All MREs must submit transactions to DPS showing an itemized list of each metals purchase within two (2) days of the purchase date. According to Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1956, MREs shall submit this data to DPS electronically. The purchase transaction data is kept in the DPS Texas Online Metals database, so law enforcement has access to current and historical transaction information. DPS works closely with law enforcement throughout Texas, assisting them with access to and navigating the reports.
Reporting Options
Use an online report form
Texas Online Metals offers Returning Users an online reporting form for MREs to electronically enter metal recycling purchase transactions and submit them directly to DPS.
- Add Metals Transactions individually:
After signing into Texas Online Metals as a Returning User, the user may choose Add Transaction and simply key in all purchase transactions using the online reporting template. After entering the purchase information, click on Save at the bottom of the Add Transaction page to send the data to DPS.
OR - Upload an XML Metal Transaction file:
After signing into Texas Online Metals database, the user may choose "Upload Transaction File" and upload an XML file of metals transactions.
DPS has prepared Battery Reporting Guidelines to assist MREs in identifying batteries for reporting purposes so a reasonable attempt can be made to properly select items from the transaction entry drop-down buttons.
Report Metals Theft / Fraud
Stop Theft of Regulated Metals (STORM)
DPS has created a new portal for reporting metals theft and fraud. Visit Stop Theft of Regulated Metals (STORM) and complete the online form. Please be specific and include any and all descriptive information, such as time, date, place and any details regarding the metals theft or metals fraud, and upload any photos you would like to provide.