Secondhand dealers, consignment shops, and precious-metal buyers in Boise must license under Title 5 and report transactions to police under Idaho Code 54-1701, including holding periods to deter fencing.
Idaho Code Title 54 Chapter 17 governs precious-metal dealers and pawnbrokers, requiring identification of sellers, daily transaction logs, and electronic reporting through the LeadsOnline system used by Idaho law enforcement. Boise applies a city business license, plus secondhand-specific reporting under Title 5. Dealers must record seller name, ID number, item description, serial numbers, and photographs, and hold most regulated items for 14 to 30 days before resale so Boise Police can identify stolen property. Antique stores, garage sales, and charitable thrift shops typically receive narrower exemptions.
Failure to report, failure to hold items for the required period, or buying from minors can trigger fines, license revocation, and criminal charges under Idaho Code 18-2403 if items are stolen.
See how Boise's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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