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

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: Code of Virginia →

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Key Facts

Register with: Fairfax County Police
Statute: VA Code 54.1-4100
Hold period: Statutory minimum applies
License: BPOL required

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Secondhand dealers and precious-metal buyers in Fairfax County must register with the Fairfax County Police Department, hold a BPOL, and report transactions per VA Code Sections 54.1-4100 and 59.1-117.

Full Breakdown

Anyone purchasing used jewelry, electronics, or precious metals for resale in Fairfax County must register with FCPD as a secondhand dealer or precious-metal dealer. Dealers must obtain a BPOL, photograph or describe each item, hold purchases for a statutory waiting period, and submit transaction reports to police. Virginia Code Sections 54.1-4100 and following govern precious-metal dealers, while VA Code Section 59.1-117 covers general secondhand goods. The waiting period helps police recover stolen property before it is resold.

Violations & Fines

Failing to register, skipping hold periods, or omitting transaction reports leads to misdemeanor charges and BPOL revocation by Fairfax County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pawnbrokers count as secondhand dealers?

Pawnbrokers are regulated separately under VA Code 54.1-4000, but face similar registration, reporting, and hold-period requirements with FCPD oversight in Fairfax County.

Are casual yard-sale sellers covered?

No. The rules apply to dealers buying for resale as a business. Occasional personal sales by residents are not regulated as secondhand dealing.

How does Fairfax County compare?

See how Fairfax County's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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