Bexar County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- TX Occ Code 1956
- State registration
- DPS required
- Cash limits
- Apply to regulated metals
- Reporting
- Daily to TXOPS
- Photo records
- Mandatory
Summary
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires metal recycling entities and certain secondhand dealers in Bexar County to register with the Department of Public Safety, verify seller identity, and file daily transaction reports to deter theft and fencing.
CHAPTER 1956. METAL RECYCLING ENTITIES. Sec. 1956.013. RULES. The commission may adopt rules to administer this chapter, including rules: (1) establishing minimum requirements for registration under this chapter; and (2) adopting forms required by this chapter. Sec. 1956.014. FEES; REPORTS. (a) The commission by rule shall prescribe fees in reasonable amounts sufficient to cover the costs of administering this chapter, including fees for: (1) an initial application for a certificate of registration; (2) issuance of a certificate of registration; (3) issuance of a renewal certificate of registration.
Full Breakdown
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 governs metal recycling entities and creates registration, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements designed to deter copper and catalytic converter theft. Secondhand dealers in Bexar County, including scrap metal yards and certain used-goods stores, must register with the Texas Department of Public Safety, photograph regulated material, retain seller identification, and transmit daily transaction reports to law enforcement through the Texas Online Property System or similar state-approved platform. Cash payments above set thresholds for certain materials such as copper, brass, and catalytic converters are prohibited. Violations carry escalating criminal penalties and permit revocation.
Violations & Fines
Failing to register with DPS, accepting regulated material without proper ID, paying cash above limits, or skipping daily reports can result in Class A misdemeanor or felony charges under Chapter 1956 and civil license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do thrift stores need to file daily reports?
Can scrap yards pay cash for catalytic converters?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
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