Macon-Bibb County, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Division 9 of Chapter 7, "Dealers in Precious Metals and Gems; Pawnshops," covers secondhand dealers who buy used jewelry, gold, silver, or platinum for resale. Section 7-236 defines a "dealer in precious metals or gems" as any person engaged in the business of purchasing precious metals or gems, or goods made from them, "from persons or sources other than manufacturers, manufacturers' representatives, or other dealers in precious metals or gems," whether that is the whole business or purchases made in conjunction with another business, so long as the goods are bought for resale in original form, after being melted or reformed, or as scrap.

" The license application, under § 7-238(b), must disclose the business type, location, and the identity, address, six-month address history, and social security number of the applicant and every owner holding 25 percent or more of the business, and must state whether anyone connected with the business has been charged or convicted of anything beyond minor traffic offenses. Section 7-239 bars issuing or renewing a license to any business whose owner, manager, or employee was convicted of a felony or theft-related misdemeanor within the past five years, and the application must be approved by the sheriff, who lists reasons in writing if denied. Numismatic coins and gold or silver bullion are specifically excluded from the division under § 7-237.