Sparks, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Section 5.33.020 makes it unlawful to run a secondhand jewelry and metals dealer business in Sparks without a license issued under Chapter 5.33 and the general provisions of Chapters 5.12 and 5.16. Applications are filed with the license officer, referred to the chief of police, and the applicant must report to the Sparks Police Department for fingerprinting (Section 5.33.030); the department also collects three years of residential and employment history and any prior license denials or revocations (Section 5.33.040). Section 5.33.050 bars anyone convicted in the preceding five years of a felony or a theft, fraud, dishonesty or stolen-property offense, anyone under eighteen, or anyone the city council finds unsuitable given public safety, morals and welfare.

Before a license issues, the applicant must post a $5,000 surety bond to the city, approved by the city attorney, guaranteeing compliance and payment of any fines (Section 5.33.060). Licenses are nontransferable to a new owner or, without prior approval, a new location, and become void on any sale, transfer or relocation (Section 5.33.080). Dealers must hold every item purchased for ten days, or two business days if bought from another dealer licensed under this chapter, without concealment and subject to police inspection (Section 5.33.100), and keep a bound, page-numbered purchase book recording a description of each item, the seller's name, age and residence, the price paid and the date (Section 5.33.110).

A full written report of the prior business day's purchases is due to the police department by noon every business day (Section 5.33.120), and dealers may not buy jewelry or metals from a minor without parental or guardian consent (Section 5.33.140).