Secondhand Dealers: Bloomington vs Minneapolis
How do secondhand dealers rules compare between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN?
Bloomington and Minneapolis have similar restriction levels.
Bloomington, MN
Hennepin County
Secondhand dealers and pawnbrokers in Hennepin County must hold a city license and report transactions to the Automated Pawn System used by Minneapolis Police and the Sheriff.
View full Bloomington rules →Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin County
Minneapolis requires secondhand goods dealers, including thrift stores buying inventory and electronics resellers, to hold a license and report transactions to the Automated Pawn System used by police.
View full Minneapolis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bloomington | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Minn. Stat. 325J | - |
| Reporting system | Automated Pawn System | Automated Pawn System (APS) |
| Typical hold | 30 days | - |
| License level | City | - |
| Authority | - | Title 8 Chapter 280 |
| Hold period | - | Several days before resale |
| Background check | - | Required for owners |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bloomington FAQ
Do I need a license to buy gold or silver?
Yes. Most Hennepin County cities license precious-metals dealers separately from general secondhand stores. Check city code for fees.
What is the Automated Pawn System?
APS is a regional database used by Minneapolis Police and other agencies where dealers upload daily transactions to flag stolen property.
Minneapolis FAQ
Are consignment shops considered secondhand dealers?
Generally no, because consignors retain ownership until sale. However, shops that take title to merchandise by paying upfront for goods are treated as secondhand dealers and must obtain the license.
What items are 'regulated property' under the ordinance?
Regulated items include electronics, jewelry, musical instruments, tools, and other commonly stolen categories. The full list is published by the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development.
Compare other topics
See how Bloomington and Minneapolis compare on other ordinance categories.
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