Stockton secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers must register with state DOJ, hold a city business license, and report all transactions daily to the California Pawn and Secondhand Dealer System under Business and Professions Code section 21625.
Dealers buying or trading used merchandise must obtain a state Department of Justice license, plus a Stockton business registration. Every transaction must be reported electronically through CAPSS within 24 hours. Items must be held at least 30 days before resale to allow Police Department recovery of stolen goods. Sellers must show valid government ID and a thumbprint. Records must be retained for at least three years. Cash-for-gold buyers, jewelry resellers, and used electronics shops all fall under this rule.
Failing to report to CAPSS, reselling within the 30-day hold, taking goods without ID, or operating without a DOJ license can trigger criminal charges and license revocation.
See how Stockton's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.