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Nassau County, NY Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Licensing agency
Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs
Required bond
$5,000
License term
2 years
Resale hold period
14 days after purchase
Max penalty
$5,000 fine, 15 days jail

Summary

Nassau County requires anyone buying or selling secondhand precious metals or gems to hold a Consumer Affairs license, post a $5,000 bond, and carry liability insurance before opening for business.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Nassau County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

After January 1, 2013, no person shall, within the County of Nassau, establish, engage in or carry on, directly or indirectly, the business of dealing in secondhand precious metals or gems either separately or in conjunction with some other business, without first having obtained a license in accordance with and subject to the provisions of this Title.

2. Such license shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the designated place of business of the licensee. 568 January 1, 2026

XXI. MISCELLANEOUS OFFICERS

3. The unit daily price of each type and class of precious metal shall be clearly displayed in Arabic numbers in such a manner that the public will be informed of said daily price.

4. Such license shall not in any way supplant the licensing and display requirements of any applicable Federal or State laws.

Source: NY General Business Law Article 5View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Administrative Code Title D-18, no person may deal in secondhand precious metals or gems anywhere in Nassau County without a license from the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs. Applicants must be fingerprinted, post a $5,000 bond, and carry $100,000/$300,000 liability insurance. Licensed dealers must hold every purchased item for 14 days before resale, verify the seller's identity, and report each day's purchases to the Nassau County Police Department. Licenses run two years and can be revoked for a disqualifying conviction or fraud.

Violations & Fines

Violating the license, bond, or recordkeeping requirements is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine, 15 days in jail, plus a $500 civil penalty per day the violation continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nassau County license secondhand precious metal and gem dealers?
Yes. Under Administrative Code § 21-27.2, no one may buy or sell secondhand precious metals or gems in the county without a license from the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs.
How long must a dealer hold purchased items before reselling them?
14 calendar days from the date of purchase, per § 21-27.9, giving law enforcement time to trace stolen property before it's melted down or resold.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nassau County

All Nassau County rules

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