Clifton, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 429 defines a DEALER as any entity that buys secondhand goods, defined broadly to include antiques, precious metals, jewelry, tools, electronics, firearms, cameras, furniture and clothing, for purposes of resale (§ 429-2). Section 429-3A prohibits engaging in that business, permanently or temporarily, without a numbered license from the Municipal Clerk, with applications disclosing ownership, criminal history, the type and value of goods handled, and suppliers (§ 429-3B). Every reportable transaction with a member of the public triggers detailed recordkeeping under § 429-5C: a sequentially numbered receipt recording the purchaser and seller's identifying information, a photograph of the seller and their ID, a separate photograph of each item sold, a description of the item including identifying marks and serial numbers, the price paid, and the transaction's date and time.

All of this must be entered into a Chief of Police-approved electronic database by the close of business the same day (§ 429-5D), or, if the system fails, on paper within 24 hours with later database entry required (§ 429-5E). Purchased goods must stay on-site, unaltered and unsold, for at least 10 calendar days from when the transaction is reported (§ 429-6A), and dealers must keep a five-year paper record of every purchase (§ 429-6B). Dealers may not buy from anyone under 18 without prior notice to the Chief of Police identifying the seller and item (§ 429-7A), and any advertisement for buying secondhand goods must display the dealer's license number in at least eight-point type or its audio/visual equivalent (§ 429-7B). Charitable, religious, art, antique and historical society sales are exempted from licensing under § 429-11.