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Philadelphia, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Philadelphia Code § 9-613
Seller ID required
Photocopy of government photo ID
Record retention
2 years from transaction date
Restricted items
Must be paid by check only
First violation penalty
90-day license revocation

Summary

Junk and secondhand-material dealers in Philadelphia must license, photo-ID sellers, and keep two years of transaction records.

Junk Dealer. An individual, partnership, association, corporation, or other business entity doing business in the City of Philadelphia which handles, stores, buys, sells, sorts, picks or otherwise processes junk, as commonly defined, including but not limited to, rags, paper, wastes, scrap metal, plumbing fixtures, and other similar materials. ... All junk dealers shall provide receipts to sellers and maintain adequate records...

Source: Philadelphia Code 9-1100View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 Code: Electronic version of The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter is current through August 19, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Philadelphia Code § 9-613 covers anyone who "handles, stores, buys, sells, sorts, picks or otherwise processes junk", rags, paper, scrap metal, plumbing fixtures and similar materials. Dealers must issue receipts, log the seller's name, address and commercial activity license number, and photocopy a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, etc.) before buying regulated materials. Records must be kept two years. Certain items, utility covers, catalytic converters, HVAC components, traffic signs, cemetery plaques, can't be bought at all without proof the seller lawfully owns them, and those specific items must be paid for by check, not cash.

Violations & Fines

Violations are a Class II offense; the dealer's license (and any Title 5 license) is revoked for 90 days on a first offense and one year for each repeat offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do junk dealers need to photo-ID sellers?
Yes. Before buying regulated materials, the dealer must photocopy a valid government photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, from the seller.
Can a junk dealer pay cash for scrap metal or HVAC parts?
No. Restricted items like HVAC components, catalytic converters, and utility covers must be paid for by check, not cash.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Philadelphia

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All Philadelphia rules

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