Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4737 governs precious-metals dealers and secondhand dealers statewide, requiring state licensure, transaction records, and police reporting. Columbus enforces these rules through CPD and may add zoning conditions under Title 33 but cannot impose competing licensing.
ORC 4737.04 requires precious-metals dealers to obtain an Ohio Department of Commerce license and maintain transaction logs identifying sellers, item descriptions, and dates. ORC 4737.16 imposes similar rules on secondhand dealers handling used goods. Dealers must hold items for a state-set retention period (typically 14-15 days) before resale to allow police inspection and stolen-property recovery. Many Columbus dealers report transactions through electronic systems like LeadsOnline, accessible by CPD. Local additions include Title 33 zoning for storefronts and Columbus business-tax registration. Identification verification and seller-thumbprint requirements help recover stolen property and disrupt fencing networks. Pawnbrokers fall under the separate ORC 4727 regime.
Operating without an Ohio precious-metals or secondhand dealer license is a misdemeanor under ORC 4737.99, escalating with prior violations. Failing to maintain records, submit reports, or honor the holding period exposes dealers to fines, license suspension, and stolen-property liability.
Columbus, OH
Tow truck operations in Columbus follow Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4513 vehicle-removal rules, BMV registration, and the Columbus Division of Police rotation ...
Columbus, OH
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4727 (the Pawnbrokers Act) licenses pawnbrokers through the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions. Columbu...
See how Columbus's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.