West Hartford, CT Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Chapter 134 of the West Hartford Code, adopted by the Town Council in 1981 and rewritten in its entirety on October 24, 1995, governs anyone licensed under Chapter 414 of the Connecticut General Statutes to buy gold or gold-plated ware, silver or silver-plated ware, platinum ware, watches, jewelry, precious stones or coins. Under § 134-1, that dealer must also carry an annual license issued by the Chief of Police, with a $10 licensing fee. Section 134-2 requires a weekly sworn statement to the Chief of Police listing every item bought, the seller's name and address, the price paid, the transaction date and time, and the form of identification the seller presented; the licensee must demand positive ID from every seller.

Payment for goods purchased under the chapter must be made by check, draft or money order only, and cash is barred outright. Section 134-3 layers on a retention rule: a licensee must hold every item purchased for at least 10 business days after the weekly statement listing it is filed, unless the Chief of Police or a designee inspects the goods early and finds no probable cause they were stolen. Retained goods must be individually marked with the purchase date and the seller's name and address, stored together by transaction, and kept in alphabetical order by seller's last name so police can inspect them on demand. The West Hartford Police Department issues, renews and can revoke the license.