Anaheim secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers must register with the state Department of Justice under California Business and Professions Code 21625, report transactions daily to police via CAPSS, and hold city business licenses.
California Business and Professions Code sections 21625 et seq. require all secondhand dealers, including pawnshops, jewelry buyers, and used merchandise stores, to register with the state Department of Justice, hold a local police-issued permit, and report all transactions through the California Pawn and Secondhand Property System (CAPSS) within 24 hours. Anaheim Police Department reviews and approves applications, conducts background checks, and inspects premises. State law mandates a 30-day hold on most acquired property to allow theft recovery. Anaheim layers a standard city business license on top of state registration.
Failing to report or holding stolen property triggers misdemeanor charges, daily civil penalties up to $1,000, state license revocation, and business license suspension by Anaheim Police Department.
See how other cities in Orange County handle secondhand dealers.
See how Anaheim's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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