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

Chapter 248, Secondhand Dealers (Ord. No. 2181, 1995), defines a 'dealer' as any person, partnership or corporation who buys or sells secondhand gold, silver, precious metals or jewelry, including anyone advertising such purchases or sales. Section 248-2 requires every dealer doing business in the Borough to register with the Chief of Police, who investigates the applicant, and to obtain a license from the Borough Clerk for an annual fee of $25; licenses expire every December 31, are non-transferable, and must be displayed prominently in the licensed premises.

Once licensed, § 248-3 requires the dealer to keep serialized receipts for every purchase, recording the buyer's name and address, the transaction date, the price paid, and the seller's name, date of birth, driver's license number if available, address and signature; receipts and the metals themselves must be made available for inspection by police or weights-and-measures officials on request. A bond in the amount set by the Office of Weights and Measures is also required. Section 248-4 requires the dealer to deliver a transcript of every item purchased, received or sold to the Chief of Police within 48 hours of the transaction.

Section 248-5 imposes a 10-day waiting period during which purchased items cannot be sold, melted, altered or moved off the premises, and § 248-6 bars any transaction with a minor and requires identification from every seller.