Bothell, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 5.28 of the Bothell Municipal Code treats secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers together. Section 5.28.010 defines a secondhand dealer as every person who as a business purchases, sells, barters, auctions, sells on consignment or otherwise exchanges secondhand goods, or who keeps a store, shop, room or other place where secondhand goods are bought, sold, traded, pledged, pawned, auctioned or consigned. Secondhand goods means used, remanufactured or secondhand goods purchased or kept for sale by a dealer. Junk and used or secondhand motor vehicles and boats fall outside both definitions, so a used car lot or boat dealer is not licensed under this chapter.

Under 5.28.020 it is unlawful to engage in the business without first obtaining a license. The application goes to the city clerk on the city's form with the required fee, states the applicant's true name (the applicant must be at least 18) and the names of everyone with a financial or proprietary interest, and is referred to the Bothell police department for investigation, report and recommendation (5.28.030). If the city manager finds the applicant fit and proper, the clerk issues or renews the license. If not, the manager gives written notice of denial and reasons, and the applicant can appeal to the city council, which holds a hearing on at least 10 days' notice. The council's decision is final.

Fees are set by city resolution, are payable December 31st before the license year, and are prorated quarterly when due for less than a year (5.28.040). No renewal issues until the dealer shows a return of property to the King County assessor and has paid the tax due (5.28.050).

Every dealer keeps a handwritten-in-ink English book recording each transaction: the date, the clerk's name, the seller's printed name, signature, age, address and description plus the ID number shown, the owner's name and address, the property's origin address, a description with maker and serial number, and the price paid (5.28.060). Books and goods are open to inspection by the chief of police or deputy (5.28.070). Sellers sign their true name and correct address (5.28.080). A full transcript of the week's transactions goes to the chief of police at the close of every business week, and goods with good cause to be believed lost or stolen are reported immediately (5.28.090).