Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6 requires secondhand dealers, including pawnshops and resale stores, to obtain a city license, hold purchased items for police inspection, and report transactions to Richmond Police via the Leads Online system.
Secondhand dealers buying used jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, or collectibles in Richmond must obtain a Chapter 6 business license, register with Richmond Police Department, and report each transaction including seller identification and item details. The city uses the Leads Online or similar reporting platform to identify stolen property. Dealers must hold purchased items for a mandatory waiting period (commonly 15 to 30 days) before resale to allow theft investigation. Carytown vintage stores, Manchester antique malls, and pawnshops along Broad Street comply with these rules. Virginia Code Title 54.1 supplements local oversight.
Failing to license, report, or hold goods for the mandatory inspection period exposes dealers to misdemeanor charges, license revocation, and potential receiving stolen property liability.
See how Richmond's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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