Portland, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

PCC Chapter 14B.90 ('Secondhand Dealers') requires a permit for businesses that 'acquire, by purchase, consignment, or trade, regulated property' for resale. 'Regulated property' is defined by administrative rule LIC-10.01 and includes precious metals, precious gems, watches, sterling silver, electronic equipment, photography equipment, tools, musical instruments and cases, firearms, sporting equipment, and household appliances. Pawnbrokers are explicitly included under PCC 14B.90.030. Application is made to the Portland Revenue Division; the Portland Police Bureau Chief conducts a background investigation of the applicant, all principals, and employees who handle regulated property. The City Administrator issues or denies the permit within 90 days. Permits are annual, nontransferable, and require a fee (currently set by administrative rule). Dealers must record every acquisition (seller's government ID, item description, serial numbers, transaction date and price) and electronically upload reports to the police-run LeadsOnline system within 24 hours. Acquired items must be held for a minimum holding period (typically 15-30 days) before resale or alteration. A small-volume exemption (under 50 regulated items per year) is available under LIC-10.04. Pawnbrokers also need an Oregon Division of Financial Regulation pawnbroker license under ORS 726.110.