Guidance for Treating the Catalytic Converter as a Major Component Part
Information for Junk and Salvage Businesses
Effective April 15, 2023, Section 415-a (a) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) was updated to classify the catalytic converter as a major component part, in addition to the components already defined by the law. The VTL defines a catalytic converter as a:
“Device installed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine that utilizes catalytic action to oxidize hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions to carbon dioxide and water.”
Please adjust your recordkeeping accordingly to reflect this change. You must supply pertinent records for all catalytic converters if requested by DMV or a member of law enforcement. Failure to maintain or produce these records may result in DMV administrative action or criminal penalties.
The New York State Salvage Certificate (form MV-907A) has been updated accordingly and is available to order. Please place your orders now so that you have updated stock to use starting April 15, 2023. Vehicles recorded on the 10/21 version of the Salvage Certificate prior to the effective date do not need to be updated with the revised form.
You must account for and return all unused Salvage Certificates to DMV for tracking and credit purposes. Use the addresses below to return your unused certificates.
United States Postal Service:
NYS DMV
Bureau of Consumer & Business Services
Accounting Unit
P.O. Box 2700
Albany, NY 12220-0700
All other carriers:
NYS DMV
Bureau of Consumer & Facility Services
Accounting Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220
Albany, NY 12228
Information for Dealers and Transporters
Effective April 15, 2023, all new motor vehicle dealers and qualified dealers are subject to new requirements regarding catalytic converter etching kits. Chapter 574 of the Laws of 2022 amends Section 415 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) by adding a new subdivision 21.
As such, every new motor vehicle dealer and qualified dealer must:
- Keep catalytic converter etching kits in stock.
- Offer catalytic converter etching kit(s) to any person purchasing a new motor vehicle.
- Charge no more than the dealer cost for such etching kit(s).
- Labor cost can be charged, consistent with DMV regulation.
For more information, see the guidance on VERIFI.
Information for Repair Shops
The amendment to Section 415-a (a) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) requires Junk and Salvage businesses to adjust their recordkeeping and acquisition procedures. You will need to take additional action so that junk and salvage businesses are compliant with the new legislation. For instance, you may need to provide identification or other documentation about the ownership and possession of the catalytic converter.
The recordkeeping requirements for catalytic converters and other major component parts has not changed for repair shops. See the Regulations of the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (NYCRR Title 15) Part 82 or the Motor Vehicle Repair and Body Shop Regulations (PDF) (form CR-82) for more information.
You may notice that vehicles you service have a number on their catalytic converter. This is a serial number that the dealer traced onto the catalytic converter with an etching kit to deter theft. DMV encourages the use of catalytic converter etching kits, which are available for purchase from various online retailers.