Chesapeake, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 58, Article III governs pawnbrokers, junk dealers, antique dealers and dealers in secondhand clothing, furniture, appliances and similar articles (state authority: Va. 2-1114). Before taking in pawn, buying or exchanging any article, the dealer must examine the seller's identifying credentials (Sec. 58-52), and it is unlawful to transact with a minor at all, except secondhand-book dealers may buy from a minor only with in-person parental or guardian consent (Sec. 58-53). Daily records must capture a copy of a government-issued photo ID, the seller's name, address, phone, race, sex, height, weight, date of birth and driver's license or Social Security number, a full item description with serial number, and a dated digital photo of any precious metals or scrap metal received (Sec.

58-54); junk dealers must additionally log the license plates of vehicles delivering the goods, and secondhand-book dealers must keep purchase records for one year. Dealers must file a full daily report of the prior 24 hours' transactions with the Chief of Police, normally through the department's electronic law-enforcement reporting site (Sec. 58-55). Removing or altering a serial number on received property is separately unlawful (Sec. 58-56), and pawnbrokers may not disfigure pledged property, conceal it for 48 hours, or remove it from the premises for 30 days after receipt unless redeemed or seized as stolen (Sec.

58-57). Every dealer must admit the Chief of Police or a designated agent to the place of business at any time to search for missing or stolen property (Sec. 58-58).