Dutchess County, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- County Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health
- License term
- 2 years
- Application fee
- $75
- Renewal fee
- $60
- Lookback disqualifier
- 15 years for specified felonies
Summary
Dutchess County requires anyone operating as a secondhand dealer to hold a license from the Commissioner of Behavioral and Community Health, countywide, since June 1, 2019.
Effective June 1, 2019, no person, corporation, partnership, association, limited liability corporation or other entity shall operate in Dutchess County as a secondhand dealer or hold themselves out as a secondhand dealer without first being licensed by the Commissioner as provided for herein:
A. Every person desiring to engage in any business as a secondhand dealer in the County of Dutchess shall obtain a license therefor from the Commissioner in accordance with and subject to the provisions of this chapter.
B. Every licensee shall maintain a regular place of business within the County of Dutchess or designate a local agent for the service of process.
C. A licensee shall prominently display the license obtained pursuant to this chapter in the establishment and visible to the general public. If a licensee shall maintain more than one establishment within the County of Dutchess, he/she shall obtain duplicate licenses.
D. No person who, within 15 years previous to applying for a license, has been convicted of burglary, felony possession of stolen property, grand larceny or forgery shall be eligible for a license.
E.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4887874; v22 updated 2025-04-15; through 04-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 241 requires every secondhand dealer operating in Dutchess County to be licensed by the Commissioner before doing business, effective June 1, 2019. Applicants undergo a Sheriff's Office criminal background check through the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, and anyone convicted of burglary, felony stolen-property possession, grand larceny, or forgery within the prior 15 years is ineligible. Licenses run two years, must be displayed at each location, and a separate license is required per establishment. Garage sales, nonprofit sales, used books/magazines, licensed auctions, and used furniture, clothing, or baby items are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Operating as a secondhand dealer in Dutchess County without a Commissioner-issued license, or a disqualifying prior conviction within 15 years, blocks licensure under § 241-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a secondhand dealer license in Dutchess County?
What disqualifies an applicant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dutchess County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Dutchess County to another location·View the New York business licensing & operations overview
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