Lansing, MI Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Section 856.01 defines a "secondhand dealer" as anyone whose business is dealing in, buying, selling, storing or exchanging used goods such as lead pipe, tools, jewelry, precious stones, firearms, electrical appliances, automotive parts, bicycles and clothing, but excludes new-goods wholesalers, dealers in used cars, rags, books or furniture, and tire retreaders who remove tires in the seller's presence. Section 856.02 bars carrying on that business without a City Clerk license, and Section 856.03 sets the application process: apply to the Clerk, get Chief of Police approval, pay a Council-set fee and file a $200.00 surety bond conditioned on following the chapter; the license cannot be transferred.

Section 856.05 requires posting the licensee's name and occupation in letters at least six inches high and keeping a numbered log, in English, of every purchase describing the item, its trade name and serial number, and the seller's name, description and address. Section 856.06 makes the dealer hold each item at least 15 days before resale, tagged with a number matching the log, and prepare a weekly written summary for police within 48 hours. Section 856.07 bars purchases between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and from anyone intoxicated, a known thief, or a minor under 18 without written parental consent. Section 856.08 adds a thumbprint requirement for every seller, and Section 856.08A requires daily electronic transaction reports to the Lansing Police Department's pawned-property system unless the location handles ten or fewer transactions per 90 days. Section 856.09 bars displaying or storing secondhand goods outside the licensed building.