Smyrna, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing article
- Chapter 22, Article V, Precious Metal Dealer Certificate Ordinance
- Application filed with
- Office of the city clerk
- Hours of operation
- 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except Sundays
- Holding period
- At least 30 days before disposing of goods
- Record retention
- Four years
- Renewal deadline
- January 31 of each calendar year
- Penalty for operating without certificate
- Ten percent of required fee per 30 days
Summary
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, any business that buys used or secondhand jewelry, watches, silverware, coins or precious metals must apply to the city clerk for a permit before it opens. Mayor and Council rules require electronic transaction records, a 30-day hold on purchased goods, and hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except Sundays.
Precious metals dealership means any business which exclusively or as incidental to or in connection with any other business, purchases ore composed of precious metals containing in whole or in part gold, silver, platinum or other precious or semiprecious metal; or used or secondhand jewelry of any kind or description, including but not limited to watches and clocks or articles of that kind or character made or composed, or containing in whole or in part gold, silver, platinum or other precious or semiprecious metals; ... (a)All persons, before beginning the business of operating a dealership of precious metals shall first file an application with the office of the city clerk or his/her designee for a permit to conduct such business. ... Any licensee who buys goods, taking full title thereto, the word "goods" being here used in the broadest sense and including all kinds of the previously described personal property, shall hold such goods so purchased for at least 30 days before disposing of same by sale, transfer, shipment or otherwise.
Full Breakdown
Article V of Chapter 22 is titled the City of Smyrna "Precious Metal Dealer Certificate Ordinance" (§ 22-180). Its definition reaches any business that buys used or secondhand jewelry, watches and clocks, precious stones, rings, silverware or coins, whether that is its only business or incidental to another one (§ 22-181). Before opening, the operator files an application with the office of the city clerk (§ 22-183). The Smyrna Police Department investigates and reports its recommendation to Mayor and Council, and the license and variance board acts on the application after a public hearing and advertisement (§§ 22-201, 22-202). A non-refundable processing fee is deposited on filing, in addition to the normal occupation tax certificate fees (§ 22-201(d)). No original certificate issues where an owner, partner or principal stockholder, or that person's spouse, was convicted or entered a nolo contendere plea within ten years before the application for a felony or misdemeanor other than a traffic violation (§ 22-203).
The operating rules are detailed. Every dealer keeps a permanent electronic record of each purchase, including a photograph of the seller and of the property, transmits it to the police department, and stores the records for four years (§ 22-184). A daily report covers all property bought in the preceding 24 hours ending at 8:00 p.m., and each seller gives a right-hand index fingerprint and shows a government issued photo identification card or passport (§ 22-185). Employees must be at least 18 and hold an annual personal identification card from the police department (§ 22-186). Places of business open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except Sundays (§ 22-187). Purchased goods are held at least 30 days before they are sold, transferred or shipped (§ 22-188). Buying from anyone 17 or younger is unlawful (§ 22-190), and an article with a mutilated or altered serial number must be reported to police immediately (§ 22-189). The front window carries the inscription "City of Smyrna Precious Metal Dealer Certificate Number" in letters not less than three inches in height (§ 22-191).
Certificates cover one place of business, expire on December 31, and are renewed with the annual fee by January 31 (§§ 22-209, 22-210, 22-214). Pawnshop and swap shop certificates carry their own published-notice requirement and processing fee in § 22-110.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Article V is a misdemeanor punished as state law provides for misdemeanors, and the city can also seek an injunction in the name of Mayor and Council (§ 22-182). Staying in business without a certificate adds a penalty of ten percent of the required fee for each 30-day period or portion of one (§ 22-216). Mayor and Council or the license and variance board can suspend, revoke or place a certificate on probation after notice and a hearing (§§ 22-206, 22-207). A certificate is forfeited if the business does not open within three months of issuance or stops operating for three consecutive months (§ 22-213).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to buy used jewelry in Smyrna?
How long must a dealer hold goods after buying them?
Can a Smyrna dealer buy from a teenager?
When does a dealer certificate expire and how is it renewed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Smyrna
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