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

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

Key Facts

Surety bond
$5,000
Standard hold period
10 days
Dealer-to-dealer hold
2 business days
Daily report deadline
Noon each business day
Minimum license age
18
Investigating agency
Sparks Police Department

Summary

Sparks requires a city license to buy, sell or exchange secondhand jewelry, precious metals or coins under SMC Chapter 5.33. Applicants post a $5,000 surety bond, undergo a police background check, and must hold purchased items at least ten days before resale so officers can inspect them.

It is unlawful for any person within the city to engage in or conduct, in or upon any premises in the city, the business of a secondhand jewelry and metals dealer without first having obtained a license as provided in this chapter and Chapters 5.12 and 5.16, as applicable.

View official code

Full Breakdown

16. 040). 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. 060). 080). 110). 140).

Violations & Fines

Any violation of Chapter 5.33 is punishable under Section 1.12.010, the city's general penalty section (Section 5.33.150). A license is subject to suspension or revocation for violating the chapter or any ground listed in Section 5.16.020, which also governs any administrative or judicial appeal (Section 5.33.090). Selling to a minor without parental consent, skipping the ten-day hold, failing to file the noon report, or refusing a police inspection are each independent grounds for enforcement action against the dealer's license and bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to buy and sell secondhand jewelry in Sparks?
Yes. Section 5.33.020 requires anyone dealing in secondhand jewelry, precious metals or coins to hold a city license, and Section 5.33.060 requires posting a $5,000 bond to the city before that license is issued.
How long must a Sparks secondhand dealer hold purchased jewelry?
Ten days from receipt under Section 5.33.100, kept intact and available for police inspection. That period drops to two business days if the item was bought from another dealer already licensed under Chapter 5.33.
Can a Sparks pawnshop or jewelry dealer buy from a minor?
Only with the consent of the minor's parent or guardian. Section 5.33.140 bars secondhand jewelry and metals dealers, and their agents or employees, from purchasing jewelry or metals from a minor without that consent.
What disqualifies someone from holding a Sparks secondhand dealer license?
Section 5.33.050 disqualifies anyone convicted in the past five years of a felony, or of theft, fraud, dishonesty or handling stolen property, anyone under eighteen, and anyone the city council finds unsuitable for the public's safety and welfare.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sparks

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSome RestrictionsPawnbrokersSignificant RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsAuto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Sparks rules

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