Waterloo, IA Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Waterloo City Code section 3-4B-1 defines a secondhand goods dealer as anyone in the business of selling, buying or receiving previously owned personal property, and bars operating that business on the same premises as a pawn business. Section 3-4B-3 requires an affidavit of compliance and a $2,000 surety bond before the city clerk issues a license. Section 3-4B-5 sets a $50 annual license fee expiring one year after issuance, with the license displayed at the licensed location. Section 3-4B-6 requires a records register for every firearm, jewelry item or precious metal purchased, capturing the price paid, description, serial number, and the seller's name, signature, address, driver's license number and Social Security number; a ticket copy goes to the Waterloo Police Department by 4:00 P.M. each Monday.

Section 3-4B-9 imposes a 30 day holding period on firearms, jewelry and precious metals after the police report, and section 3-4B-10 bars doing business with anyone under 18 and requires picture identification from every seller. Section 3-4B-11 lets the city deny, suspend or revoke a license for zoning conflicts, code violations or fraud, with a suspension running at least 14 calendar days and revocation barring reapplication.