Travis County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)
Key Facts
- Hold period
- Ten days typical
- Reporting
- Electronic database
- Statute
- TX Occupations Ch. 1956
- Seller ID
- Government photo ID
Summary
Secondhand dealers and metal recyclers in Travis County must follow Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 reporting rules, hold-period requirements, and seller identification, with TCSO accessing transaction databases for stolen-property investigations.
Sec. 1956.003. LOCAL LAW; CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A county, municipality, or political subdivision of this state may adopt a rule, charter, or ordinance or issue an order or impose standards that are more stringent than but do not conflict with this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter. (a-1) A county, municipality, or other political subdivision may require the record of purchase described under Section 1956.033 to contain a clear and legible thumbprint of a seller of regulated material. Sec. 1956.039. HOURS FOR PURCHASING MATERIAL. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), a county, municipality, or political subdivision may establish the hours during which a metal recycling entity may purchase regulated material.
Full Breakdown
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 governs metal recycling entities and secondhand goods dealers, requiring seller identification, thumbprints for certain regulated metals, and electronic transaction reporting through state-approved databases like LeadsOnline. Travis County secondhand stores buying jewelry, electronics, or tools log items, hold them for typically ten days, and let TCSO inspect records. Pawnbrokers fall under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371, separately licensed by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Cash-for-gold and scrap metal yards face stricter rules on copper, catalytic converters, and aluminum.
Violations & Fines
Failing to report transactions, accepting stolen property knowingly, or buying regulated metal without ID is a Class A or B misdemeanor with fines up to $4,000, jail up to one year, and license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What metals trigger extra rules?
Are pawnshops the same as secondhand dealers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
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