Indianapolis secondhand dealers — including thrift, resale, and used-goods stores — must hold a city license under Ch. 821 and report transactions to IMPD. Reporting helps police track stolen merchandise and enforce holding periods on incoming inventory.
Revised Code Ch. 821 governs secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers in Indianapolis-Marion County. Dealers must obtain a city license through the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS), maintain a transaction log with seller ID, and electronically transmit purchase data daily to IMPD via the LeadsOnline system. State law IC 24-4-19 sets a baseline registration requirement and mandates a 14-day holding period before resale. Indianapolis applies the holding period at the point of intake. Operators must keep detailed records for at least one year and allow law-enforcement inspection on demand.
Operating without a license, failing to upload transactions, skipping the 14-day hold, or buying from minors. Violations bring license suspension, daily fines, and possible criminal charges if stolen goods are knowingly accepted.
See how Indianapolis's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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