Madison secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers must license under MGO Ch. 9.49 and report transactions to police via Wisconsin's Leads Online system to deter trafficking in stolen goods.
MGO Ch. 9.49 requires anyone who buys and resells used merchandise (electronics, jewelry, instruments, tools) to obtain a Madison secondhand article dealer license. Dealers must collect seller ID, photograph items, and upload daily transaction reports to the Leads Online database accessible to Madison Police. State law (Wis. Stat. 134.71) sets a 21-day hold period before items can be resold, allowing investigators to recover stolen property. Antique dealers, charity thrift stores, and certain occasional sellers are exempt. Inspections are routine.
Failure to report transactions can mean fines $200-$1,000 per item, license suspension, and forfeiture of unreported merchandise; receiving stolen property charges may follow.
See how Madison's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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