Omaha, NE Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 30, Article II of the Omaha Municipal Code covers 'secondhand goods dealers,' defined as anyone who regularly operates a store that buys or offers to sell 'regulated property,' a list that includes precious metals and gems, jewelry, watches, sterling silver items, firearms, golf clubs, bicycles, electronics, video games, musical instruments, coins, and catalytic converters removed from vehicles (§ 30-21); electronic repair shops are expressly included, while charities, antique dealers and auction houses, used furniture, clothing, and book stores, flea markets, and vehicle service centers are excluded.

Anyone wanting to run such a business must get a permit before starting (§ 30-22) by applying to the permits and inspections division with the applicant's name and address, the business's street address and legal description, and a business e-mail (§ 30-23). The permit fee follows section 19-78, permits are personal and non-transferable, expire December 31 of the year issued, and are limited to a single business location (§§ 30-24, 30-27 through 30-29). A dealer who hasn't obtained a permit may not advertise that secondhand goods are bought or sold on the premises (§ 30-30).

Every purchase of regulated property must be logged with a description, serial number if available, price paid, date and time, and the seller's name, address, birthdate and driver's license number, delivered to the chief of police before noon the following day; purchases of catalytic converters specifically must be paid by mailed check and documented with a photo of the vehicle title or ownership form (§ 30-31). Purchased goods must sit unsold for 14 days after that report reaches police (§ 30-34), and records and goods stay open to police inspection at any reasonable time (§ 30-33).

A dealer whose permit is denied or cancelled can appeal to the administrative appeals board (§ 30-35). Falsifying records, failing to make required entries, or refusing to produce them for an officer is a misdemeanor under section 1-10 (§ 30-37). 00 annual fee and barred to anyone with a theft-related conviction in the last five years, is required just to possess regulated metals property such as detached catalytic converters (§§ 30-38, 30-39).