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.
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.
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.
See how Carrollton's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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