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.
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.
Failing to register, skipping hold periods, or omitting transaction reports leads to misdemeanor charges and BPOL revocation by Fairfax County.
See how Herndon's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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