Bayonne, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 4, Section 4-24 of the Bayonne City Code was adopted to help law enforcement and crime victims recover stolen goods by imposing identification, reporting and recordkeeping rules on dealers in precious metals and other secondhand goods, and it bars anyone from carrying on that trade without complying exactly with the section. Section 4-24.3 requires a license from the City Clerk before engaging in the business of buying, selling or pawning precious metals or other secondhand goods, with the Chief of Police investigating each applicant's experience, community reputation and criminal record within 30 days under Section 4-24.4.

Licensees may operate only at the specific location named on their license, and Section 4-24.3.d flatly disqualifies itinerant businesses and transient buyers (dealers not continuously registered at a Bayonne address for at least six months) from licensure. For every reportable transaction, Section 4-24.5 requires acceptable photo identification from the seller, a signed declaration of ownership, a sequentially numbered receipt with a full item description, and a same-day electronic database entry approved by the Chief of Police. Section 4-24.6 requires goods to be held for inspection at least 10 calendar days, or the statutory 10 business days for jewelry, and Section 4-24.7 requires a $10,000 surety bond.