Columbus, OH Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Sign requirement
- Name and occupation posted
- Record book
- Seller ID, article description, date
- Daily police report
- Filed before noon each day
- Retention period
- 7 days before resale
- Fictitious-name penalty
- Up to $500, 60 days jail
Summary
Columbus requires secondhand dealers to post a sign, log every purchase in a numbered record book, and file daily reports with police under City Codes Chapter 541.
(a)The term "secondhand dealer" means a person operating a store, shop, or other business outlet for the purpose of purchasing, selling, exchanging, or receiving secondhand articles of any kind on a continuing basis.(b)The term "secondhand articles" means any item which has previously been used or worn by another; something which is not new.(c)A person who is operating as a secondhand dealer in the city, shall post in a conspicuous place in or upon a shop, store, wagon, boat or other place of business, a sign having the name and occupation legibly inscribed thereon.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).
Full Breakdown
Columbus City Codes § 541.01 defines a secondhand dealer as anyone buying, selling, exchanging or receiving used goods on a continuing basis, and requires the dealer to post a sign with the business name and occupation. Section 541.02 requires a separate numbered record book listing each secondhand article purchased plus the seller's name, address, social security number, driver's license number and vehicle plate. Section 541.03 requires a legible copy of that day's entries delivered to the police chief before noon each day. Section 541.04 requires purchased articles be held at least seven days before resale, and § 541.06 limits business hours to weekdays 7:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., closed on named holidays.
Violations & Fines
Using a fictitious name or address when selling or pawning goods to a Columbus secondhand dealer is a third-degree misdemeanor: up to $500 and 60 days in jail, per City Codes § 541.08.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Columbus require a license to operate as a secondhand dealer?
How long must a Columbus secondhand dealer hold purchased items before reselling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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