Philly Code 9-1100 plus Pennsylvania Pawnbrokers Act require secondhand and precious-metal dealers to license, report transactions to police, and hold purchased goods for an inspection period. Dealers verify ID, photograph items, and report through the LeadsOnline system.
Philadelphia Code 9-1100 regulates secondhand dealers and precious-metal buyers. Operators need a Commercial Activity License plus a secondhand-dealer license from L&I, and must comply with Pennsylvania's Precious Metals Act and the Pawnbrokers License Act of 1937 (Act 271). Dealers verify seller ID, photograph items, and electronically report each transaction to the Philadelphia Police, typically through LeadsOnline. Purchased items must be held in original condition for a posted period, often 15 to 30 days, before resale or melting, allowing detectives to flag stolen property. Cash purchases over thresholds trigger additional anti-money-laundering reporting under federal Bank Secrecy Act rules.
Failing to report, melting goods early, or buying without ID can bring license revocation, fines under Code 9-105, and Pennsylvania misdemeanor charges under the Precious Metals Act, including possible criminal liability for receipt of stolen property if goods are traced.
Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia, PA
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Philadelphia, PA
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See how Philadelphia's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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