Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Arlington

Arlington, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Reporting database
LeadsOnline daily
Hold period
15 days minimum
City code
Chapter 4 Art VII
State law
Tex Fin Code 371

Summary

Arlington secondhand dealers and pawn shops must register with APD, photograph and report all purchased items daily through the LeadsOnline system, and hold inventory for at least 15 days to allow stolen-property recovery.

Sec. 371.005. REGULATORY AUTHORITY. The legislature has exclusive authority regarding the operation of pawnshops, except for a matter delegated by this chapter to the commissioner. The commissioner has the authority to regulate only a business practice that requires a pawnshop license. Sec. 371.051. PAWNSHOP LICENSE REQUIRED. A person may not engage in business as a pawnbroker unless the person holds a pawnshop license. Sec. 371.002. PURPOSES.

Source: Texas Finance Code Chapter 371View official code

Full Breakdown

Arlington Code Chapter 4 regulates secondhand dealers including pawn shops, gold buyers, and electronics resellers. Operators must register with the Arlington Police Department, fingerprint owners and employees, and submit daily transaction reports through LeadsOnline or a comparable database accessible to detectives. Each transaction must record seller ID, photograph the merchandise, and capture serial numbers. Items must be held intact for at least 15 days before resale or melting, allowing investigators to recover stolen goods. Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 separately licenses pawnshops through the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.

Violations & Fines

Failure to report transactions or holding period violations are Class A misdemeanors. APD may revoke registration, seize merchandise, and pursue criminal charges. Pawnshops face additional state license revocation under Finance Code 371.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do garage sales count as secondhand dealing?
No. Occasional garage and estate sales are exempt. The rules target ongoing commercial buyers like pawn shops, gold buyers, used-game stores, and consignment retailers operating year-round.
Why the 15-day hold?
The hold gives Arlington Police time to match incoming items against stolen-property reports through LeadsOnline. Owners can reclaim recovered property without dealers losing the purchase price.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Arlington

Massage EstablishmentsSome RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSome RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseLight RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundLight RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions

All Arlington rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Secondhand Dealers in Arlington, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Secondhand Dealers in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Tarrant County handle secondhand dealers.

Fort Worth, TX
Light Restrictions