Secondhand Dealers: Anza vs Riverside
How do secondhand dealers rules compare between Anza, CA and Riverside, CA?
Anza has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
Anza, CA
Riverside County
California Business and Professions Code section 21641 requires secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers to register with the local police agency and report transactions to the state. Riverside County Sheriff handles permit processing for unincorporated-area dealers.
View full Anza rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
Riverside secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers must register with the police, hold property for thirty days, and report all transactions to the statewide CAPSS database under California Business Code.
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anza | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | BPC 21641 | BPC 21625 |
| Permit issuer | Sheriff in unincorporated areas | - |
| Hold period | 30 days | 30 days minimum |
| Reporting | Daily via CAPSS | Daily CAPSS uploads |
| Pawnbroker law | Financial Code 21300 | - |
| ID required | - | Photo of seller |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anza FAQ
What items must be reported?
Most used merchandise purchased for resale, including jewelry, electronics, tools, instruments, and bicycles. Books, clothing, and certain low-value categories may be exempt under section 21627.
How long must items be held before resale?
Thirty days from the date the transaction is reported. The hold lets law enforcement check stolen-property databases before goods leave the dealer's possession.
Riverside FAQ
Does a flea-market booth count as a secondhand dealer?
It can. California law treats anyone whose business includes buying and reselling secondhand tangible personal property as a dealer, regardless of whether they operate at a flea market or storefront.
Can the police take alleged stolen items?
Yes. During the 30-day hold, Riverside Police can place a written hold on items they suspect were stolen, and dealers must keep the property available until the case resolves.
Compare other topics
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