Redding, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

California has one of the country's most comprehensive secondhand-dealer regimes, and Redding follows the state framework. Under Business and Professions Code §21625 et seq., a 'secondhand dealer' is any person whose business includes buying, selling, trading, taking in pawn, accepting for sale on consignment, or otherwise dealing in tangible personal property which has been previously used. Pawnbrokers are covered separately under Financial Code §21000 et seq. The required steps to operate in Redding are: (1) submit a Secondhand Dealer or Pawnbroker license application to the Redding Police Department under BPC §21641 (the local licensing agency); (2) pass a Live Scan background check by California Department of Justice (BPC §21642 disqualifies anyone convicted of theft, embezzlement, or specified felonies in the prior 10 years); (3) for pawnbrokers, post a $5,000 surety bond under Financial Code §21300; (4) register with CAPSS (the California Pawn & Secondhand Dealer System) and report every reportable transaction electronically to DOJ within one business day under BPC §21628; (5) hold every purchased item for 30 days at the licensed premises before resale, melt, or alteration under BPC §21636; (6) collect and retain seller information including thumbprint, government-issued photo ID, and physical description under BPC §21628.2; and (7) hold a Redding Business License under RMC Chapter 6.02. Categories requiring reporting include precious metals, electronics, firearms, musical instruments, and most jewelry; exemptions exist for charitable thrift stores (BPC §21626(a)(8)), licensed motor-vehicle dealers, and certain antique dealers selling items 100+ years old. Redding Police use CAPSS plus the LeadsOnline service to match transactions against stolen-property reports.