(a) Application and issuance.--Application for a certificate of authorization shall be made on a form prescribed by the department. The department shall investigate the qualifications and fitness of the applicant and shall issue a certificate of authorization if it determines that the applicant is capable of performing the duties of a salvor in a manner consistent with the public interest.

(b) Place of business.--Every applicant shall have and maintain an established place of business. If the applicant has or intends to have one or more places of business or branch offices, the application shall contain complete information for each location.

(c) Bonding required.--Before issuing a certificate of authorization, the department shall require the applicant to furnish and maintain a bond indemnifying the public and the department in the amount of $10,000. An individual bond for each place of business is not required, but all places of business shall be covered by the bond.

(d) Duration and renewal.--Certificates of authorization shall be issued for a period of one year and shall be subject to annual renewal, including a review of the salvor's status as a vehicle salvage dealer under section 1337(c)(2) (relating to use of "Miscellaneous Motor Vehicle Business" registration plates).

(e) Storage facility.--A salvor shall rent or own a storage facility which shall comply with the act of July 28, 1966 (3rd Sp.Sess., P.L.91, No.4), referred to as the Junkyard and Automotive Recycler Screening Law, where applicable and with regulations promulgated by the department.

(Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1278, No.152, eff. 60 days)