Pittsburgh, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- From the License Officer, annually
- Hold period
- 30 days jewelry/antiques, 7 days other
- Police reporting
- Weekly log due Monday by noon
- Prohibited sellers
- Minors, intoxicated persons, known thieves
- Revocation trigger
- Conviction for theft-related crimes
Summary
Pittsburgh requires a License Officer permit before buying and selling secondhand goods or antiques, with mandatory purchase records, weekly police reports, and a waiting period before resale of jewelry, precious metals, and other used items.
No person shall engage in the business of being an antique or second hand dealer without first obtaining a license from the License Officer.
Full Breakdown
Under Pittsburgh Code Chapter 717, no one may operate as a second hand or antique dealer without a license from the License Officer, covering used goods from jewelry and precious metals to tools, appliances, and used cars. Dealers must log every purchase with a description and the buyer's and seller's names and addresses, and report that log to the Superintendent of Police every Monday by noon. Antiques, jewelry, and precious metals can't be resold for 30 days after purchase; other secondhand goods must be held 7 days. Dealers may not buy from anyone under 18, intoxicated, or a known thief, and a theft-related conviction triggers license revocation.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, reselling held items early, buying from a minor or known thief, or a theft-related conviction can mean license revocation and citation under Chapter 717 and § 701.14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to run a secondhand or antique shop in Pittsburgh?
How long must a Pittsburgh secondhand dealer hold purchased items before reselling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
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