Dallas County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Crafted metals law
- TX Occupations Code Ch. 1956
- Registration
- Texas DPS Regulatory Services
- Hold period
- 10 days for metals
- County license
- None
- City permits
- Dallas, Irving, Garland, Plano
Summary
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 governs crafted-metal dealers (gold and silver buyers) statewide with DPS registration. Dallas County does not license general secondhand dealers; cities like Dallas, Irving, and Garland run their own permit and reporting schemes for resale shops.
Sec. 1956.022. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE; QUALIFICATIONS. (a) The department shall issue a certificate of registration to an applicant who: (1) applies and pays a registration fee; (2) presents any relevant evidence relating to the applicant's qualifications as required by commission rule; (3) submits a declaration describing the extent to which the applicant intends to engage in transactions involving catalytic converters ...; (4) presents evidence satisfactory to the department that the applicant intends to act as a metal recycling entity and use a fixed location to wholly or partly conduct an activity described by Section 1956.001(7); and (5) provides the physical address of the fixed location described by Subdivision (4).
Full Breakdown
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires crafted precious metal dealers in Dallas County to register with the Texas Department of Public Safety, post photo identification of sellers, record item descriptions and weights, hold purchases for 10 days, and report transactions to local police. General secondhand dealers (electronics buyers, resale shops) are regulated city by city; Dallas City Code Chapter 11A requires permits and Leads Online reporting, with Irving, Garland, Plano, and Mesquite running similar schemes. Dallas County has no countywide secondhand license; the Dallas County Sheriff handles unincorporated calls under state property crime statutes (Penal Code 31) and supports city investigations into stolen-property fencing through the District Attorney's office.
Violations & Fines
Buying gold or silver without DPS registration under Occupations Code 1956 is a Class A misdemeanor. Missing local secondhand reports, the 10-day hold, or paying cash without ID violates city ordinances and supports theft charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do gold buyers at flea markets need to register?
Does Dallas County require a secondhand license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
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