Ohio's new catalytic converter law creates compliance obligations for auto service businesses that many owners haven't yet encountered.
Most Ohio auto repair shop owners don't realize that receiving a used catalytic converter—even as part of a routine customer repair—now triggers specific state recordkeeping and payment requirements under HB210.
The law, which took effect on enactment, imposes scrap metal dealer compliance rules on any non-scrap-metal business that receives a used catalytic converter in the ordinary course of business. That includes auto repair shops operating under Ohio Chapter 4775, salvage dealers under Chapters 4737 and 4738, and similar operators. The provision appears in Section 4737.041(B) on page 14 of the bill.
When a customer brings in a vehicle for repair and you receive a used catalytic converter—whether you remove it yourself or the customer provides it—you are now required to:
1. Verify and document proof of ownership. Before accepting the converter, you must obtain and keep records showing the customer owns it. Acceptable documentation includes a vehicle title, registration, or a bill or invoice that shows the vehicle identification number (VIN) and repair details. If the customer cannot provide these, Ohio's Director of Public Safety must create an affidavit form (within 90 days of the law's effective date) that can serve as proof of ownership instead.
2. Issue a traceable non-cash payment. You cannot pay the customer in cash. Payment must be made by check, electronic transfer, or another traceable method that creates a clear record of the transaction.
3. Maintain records. Keep documentation of the ownership verification, the payment method, and the converter details for your records.
Catalytic converter theft has been a significant problem in Ohio and nationwide. The law targets the supply chain by requiring documentation and traceability at every handoff. For auto service businesses, this means adding a verification and recordkeeping step to your intake process—even for converters that customers legitimately own and want removed or replaced.
The requirement applies whether you're a large multi-bay facility or a small independent shop. If you accept used catalytic converters as part of your business, you're subject to these rules.
The law became effective on enactment. The Ohio Director of Public Safety has 90 days from that effective date to create the affidavit form that customers can use if they lack a title, registration, or invoice. Until that form is available, rely on title, registration, or documentation showing the VIN and repair details.
If you're unsure whether your current intake or payment processes meet these requirements, now is the time to review them. Compliance is straightforward once you build it into your workflow, but overlooking it could create liability.
Source: HB210, Section 4737.041(B), Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4775 (auto repair shops) and Chapters 4737–4738 (salvage dealers).