Secondhand dealers and metal recyclers in Travis County must follow Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 reporting rules, hold-period requirements, and seller identification, with TCSO accessing transaction databases for stolen-property investigations.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 governs metal recycling entities and secondhand goods dealers, requiring seller identification, thumbprints for certain regulated metals, and electronic transaction reporting through state-approved databases like LeadsOnline. Travis County secondhand stores buying jewelry, electronics, or tools log items, hold them for typically ten days, and let TCSO inspect records. Pawnbrokers fall under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371, separately licensed by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Cash-for-gold and scrap metal yards face stricter rules on copper, catalytic converters, and aluminum.
Failing to report transactions, accepting stolen property knowingly, or buying regulated metal without ID is a Class A or B misdemeanor with fines up to $4,000, jail up to one year, and license revocation.
See how Travis County's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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