Merced, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

030 of the Merced Municipal Code makes it unlawful to engage in, conduct, manage, or carry on the business of pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, or junk dealer in the city without first applying for and receiving a written permit from the city council. 040 requires the applicant to file a written application with the city clerk specifying the exact street address where the business will operate and the applicant's name and address. 020 exempts junk dealers who buy or sell only rags, bottles, barrels, cans, or cast-off clothing and shoes from the chapter entirely.

060 requires every dealer in secondhand goods, other than furniture and household goods, whether operating as pawnbroker, junk dealer, or otherwise, to keep a running record of every article sold or purchased. That record must show the hour the item was received, the seller's name, address, and physical description, the pawn ticket number if pledged, the amount loaned or paid, and a full description of the item, including any engraved numbers or settings, and it must be open to inspection by the chief of police or any other police officer at all times during business hours. Blank report forms are supplied by the chief of police.