Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in San Francisco

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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permitting authority
Chief of Police
License renewal deadline
Annually by March 31
Covered goods threshold
Jewelry/watches over $40
Antique exemption
90%+ items over 80 years old

Summary

San Francisco requires anyone buying or selling covered secondhand goods to get a Chief of Police permit before operating, on top of a Tax Collector license.

Before any person shall engage in the business of Secondhand Dealer, that person must apply to the Chief of Police for a permit therefor. The Chief may grant the permit application, and the applicant may receive a license from the Tax Collector upon the payment of the license fee.

Source: San Francisco Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Before engaging in the secondhand dealer business, an operator must apply to the Chief of Police for a permit; only after the Chief grants it may the applicant get a license from the Tax Collector, with the license fee paid annually by March 31. The Chief can revoke the permit after a hearing for good cause, and covered goods include serialized property, electronics, firearms, jewelry and watches over $40, gemstones, musical instruments, and sterling silver flatware.

Violations & Fines

Operating as a secondhand dealer without a Chief of Police permit violates Police Code Sec. 1279.1; the Chief may also revoke an existing permit after a hearing for good cause shown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues a secondhand dealer permit in San Francisco?
The Chief of Police, per Police Code Sec. 1279.1(a); the Tax Collector then issues the license once the permit is granted.
What goods count as covered secondhand goods?
Serial-numbered items, electronics, firearms, jewelry/watches over $40, precious stones, musical instruments, and sterling silverware, per Sec. 1279(b).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Francisco

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseSignificant RestrictionsPawnbrokersSignificant RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSome RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All San Francisco rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Secondhand Dealers in San Francisco, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.