Newport Beach, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition source
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 21626, 21626.5
- Permit issuer
- Chief of Police
- Hold before resale
- 30 days, § 5.20.100(A)
- Record retention
- 3 years, § 5.20.080
- Reporting statutes
- Cal. B&P §§ 21628, 21628.2, 21630, 21631
- Covers consignment sellers
- Yes, § 5.20.140
Summary
Secondhand dealers in Newport Beach, defined by cross-reference to California's Business and Professions Code, need a Chief of Police permit under Municipal Code Chapter 5.20. They must file detailed transaction reports and the rules extend to any merchant selling secondhand goods on commission.
§ 5.20.030. Secondhand Dealer Defined. The term “secondhand dealer” shall have the same meaning as that term is defined and limited in California Business and Professions Code Sections 21626 and 21626.5. Any person or entity exempt from being considered a “secondhand dealer” pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Section 21625 et seq. shall also be exempt from being considered a “secondhand dealer” by this chapter. § 5.20.070. Reporting of Transactions. A. Reporting Requirement for Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers. Every pawnbroker and secondhand dealer shall make out and submit a full, true and complete report of pawnbroker and secondhand dealer transactions, the form and contents of which shall comply with the provisions of California Business and Professions Code Sections 21628, 21628.2, 21630, and 21631.
Full Breakdown
is also exempt from Newport Beach's chapter. 050 before operating, complete a fingerprint-backed application disclosing prior permits and criminal history, and pass a police investigation completed within 90 days. 2, 21630, and 21631, filed with the Police Department, which the Chief of Police keeps in a secure, confidential file open only to police personnel, a court order, or as otherwise required by law. 080 requires a three-year English-language record of every item purchased or received, open to police inspection during business hours. 100(B) sets for junk dealers.
130 extends the outside-of-state reporting requirement to secondhand jewelry, art, or similar identifiable merchandise received from outside California. 140 broadens every reporting, recordkeeping, and holding duty in the chapter to reach any merchant who takes in secondhand articles for sale on commission, fee, or as an agent or broker, treating that merchant as if directly engaged in the secondhand business.
Violations & Fines
Section 5.20.090 makes it unlawful for a secondhand dealer or any agent or employee to fail to file the required transaction report, fail to keep the mandated three-year record, or refuse to exhibit records or merchandise to the Chief of Police or any officer immediately on demand. The Chief of Police can also refuse or revoke a permit after notice and hearing for a stolen-property conviction or a demonstrated pattern of violating the chapter, per Section 5.20.050(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Newport Beach consignment shop count as a secondhand dealer?
How is a secondhand dealer different from a junk dealer under Newport Beach's code?
What must a Newport Beach secondhand dealer report on each transaction?
Is my secondhand dealer permit required even if I'm exempt under state law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Newport Beach to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Secondhand Dealers in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle secondhand dealers.