Paterson, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Each dealer conducting business within the jurisdiction of the City shall obtain a license and shall first register with the Chief of Police, who shall fingerprint and institute an investigation of the applicant's moral character and business responsibility as he deems necessary for the protection of the public welfare. Upon completion of the investigation, which in no case shall take more than 10 days, the Chief of Police shall return the application or a copy thereof to the Licensing Division, accompanied by his recommendations as to whether the license should be issued or denied. If the recommendation of the Chief of Police is to deny the license, the grounds for such recommendation shall be stated. Grounds for recommending denial of a license may include information indicating that the applicant has been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation. Upon receipt of the recommendation of the Chief of Police, the Licensing Division shall issue or deny the license accordingly. Appeals from the decision of the Chief of Police shall be made in accordance with § 399-3.