Spokane secondhand dealers in precious metals must register, retain seller identification, and report transactions to police under RCW 19.60. General thrift and consignment stores are exempt unless dealing in jewelry or precious metals.
Washington's precious metal dealer statute RCW 19.60 covers Spokane buyers of gold, silver, platinum, and similar items, including jewelry buyers, coin dealers, and gold-buying parties. Dealers must be licensed, hold purchases at least 30 days, photograph items, retain seller ID, and report transactions to Spokane Police. General secondhand stores selling clothing, furniture, or electronics fall under standard SMC Chapter 1.05 city business licensing without the precious-metal reporting overhead. Mobile gold-buying events still require a Spokane license and state registration. The 30-day hold supports law enforcement recovery of stolen jewelry.
Unregistered precious metal buying is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 19.60.060; failure to report transactions can result in license revocation.
See how Spokane's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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