Charleston secondhand goods dealers and pawnbrokers must obtain a city business license, register with police, hold purchases for set retention periods, and report transactions to law enforcement.
Secondhand dealers in Charleston, including pawnshops, jewelry resellers, and used-goods stores, must obtain a Chapter 8 business license and comply with state law SC §40-39 for pawnbrokers and SC §40-54 for secondhand precious metal dealers. Dealers must record seller identification, photograph items, and transmit daily transaction data to Charleston Police via the LeadsOnline reporting system. Items must be held without alteration for a 15-day waiting period to allow stolen-property recovery. Police may inspect inventory and records during business hours.
Failure to report transactions or violating hold periods is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and license suspension; receiving known stolen property carries felony exposure.
See how Charleston's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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