California Business and Professions Code §21626 requires secondhand dealers to register with local police and report transactions to the state CAPSS database. SDMC §33.0401 adds local registration and 30-day hold rules.
Under California Business and Professions Code §21626 et seq., any retailer dealing in used merchandise such as electronics, jewelry, sporting goods, tools, and musical instruments must register as a secondhand dealer with local police. SDMC §33.0401 layers a city registration. Dealers report each transaction electronically through the California Pawn and Secondhand Dealer System (CAPSS) within 24 hours, including seller ID, item description, and serial numbers. Goods must be held 30 days before resale to allow stolen-property recovery. Antique stores buying items 100+ years old, charity thrift shops, and licensed pawnbrokers operate under separate or exempt rules.
Failing to register, skipping CAPSS reporting, or selling within the 30-day hold period is a misdemeanor under §21642, with fines up to $1,000 per violation, possible jail time, and revocation of the city registration.
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See how San Diego's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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