San Rafael, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, from the city
- Records
- Bound book with numbered tags
- Daily report due
- Before 10 a.m.
- Hold period
- 10 days minimum
Summary
San Rafael requires secondhand dealers to obtain a city license and log every item bought, pawned, or exchanged in a bound record book that police can inspect on demand.
Every person dealing in secondhand goods, wares, merchandise or articles of any description, other than furniture and household goods, either as pawnbroker or secondhand dealer, shall keep or cause to be kept at the place of business a well bound book containing a record of each article pawned, purchased, exchanged, or otherwise taken into possession. The record shall be legibly entered at the time of the transaction and shall show the hour and day when each article was so received, its exact and complete description, the amount loaned thereon or paid therefor, together with the signature and description of the person or persons so pawning, selling, exchanging, or otherwise delivering the property. The record of each transaction must be numbered and a tag corresponding to said number must be firmly attached to all articles pawned, purchased, exchanged or otherwise taken into possession.
(Ord. 329).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC Section 10.20.010 requires a city license to conduct the business of secondhand dealer, grouped with pawnbrokers under Chapter 10.20. Section 10.20.020 requires every secondhand dealer to keep a bound book recording each item's description, the date and hour received, the amount paid, and the seller's signature, with a numbered tag attached to each item. Dealers must report transactions daily to the police chief before 10 a.m. and hold goods ten days before resale, excluding furniture and household goods.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, concealing required records from a peace officer, or dealing with an intoxicated person or unaccompanied minor under 21 can lead to license suspension or revocation under Sections 10.20.090 through 10.20.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a secondhand dealer need a separate license from a pawnbroker in San Rafael?
What records must a San Rafael secondhand shop keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.