Does Buffalo, NY have its own secondhand dealers ordinance?

No. Buffalo, NY does not appear to have a local secondhand dealers ordinance, New York state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from NY General Business Law Article 6.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Buffalo

Buffalo, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

License issuer: Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services
Mandatory holding period: 21 days for jewelry, furs, clothing, tools
Daily report deadline: Before 10:00 a.m. each business day
Seller ID requirement: Government-issued photo ID required
Minimum seller age: Must not buy from persons under 16
Locations per license: One only, without written permission

Summary

Secondhand dealers in Buffalo must obtain a license, file a daily report with police on all articles received the prior business day, and hold jewelry, furs, watches, clothing, and tools for 21 days before resale.

§ 254-12.B. Time for reporting. Every person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of dealing in, purchasing, selling or pawning secondhand articles shall, before 10:00 a.m. of each business day, prepare a report of all articles received in the prior business day in connection with the license granted in this chapter and shall furnish this report to the police upon request.
§ 254-16.A. Every secondhand dealer in jewelry, diamonds, watches, rings, furs, gold, silver and plated ware shall hold said goods for a period of 21 days from the time of purchase and shall not resell the same until the expiration of said period. Every secondhand dealer in clothing and tools shall hold said goods for 21 days and shall not resell the same until the expiration of said period.

Source: NY General Business Law Article 6View official code

Full Breakdown

The 21-day holding period applies to jewelry, diamonds, watches, rings, furs, gold, silver, plated ware, clothing, and tools. Dealers must verify seller identity using government-issued photo ID and collect name, address, age, height, weight, race, gender, and date of birth. Reports must be filed before 10 a.m. each business day. Dealers may not buy from persons under 16, known thieves, or convicts of larceny or burglary. No dealer may operate more than one location per license. License applications for new locations must first be approved by the Common Council.

Violations & Fines

Penalties under Chapter 137, Article I; failure to comply may result in revocation after notice and hearing by the Commissioner of Police reporting to Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a secondhand store resell a watch the same day it buys it?

No: watches are specifically listed items subject to the 21-day holding period, meaning they cannot be resold for 21 days after purchase.

What must a dealer do with suspected stolen property?

Under § 254-33, if items matching an advertised description of lost or stolen goods come into the dealer's possession, the dealer must immediately notify local law enforcement and may not dispose of the items until authorized.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Buffalo Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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