Secondhand Dealers: Chicago vs Oak Park

Do I need both state and city permits?

Yes. Illinois requires registration under 205 ILCS 510 with bond and fingerprint checks, and Chicago requires a separate BACP Secondhand Dealer license plus zoning verification before opening doors.

How quickly must transactions be reported?

Every purchased item must be uploaded to LeadsOnline or the CPD portal within 24 hours, including seller identification, photographs, and serial numbers, under MCC 4-264-070.

Can I resell items immediately?

No. MCC 4-264-090 imposes a 30-day police hold. Detectives use the period to cross-check property against stolen-goods reports before merchandise can leave the store.

What counts as a secondhand dealer?

Resale and consignment shops, gold and silver buyers, electronics buyers, used phone retailers, and any business buying used goods from the public for resale generally qualify. Antique dealers selling on consignment without buying may be exempt depending on local ordinance.

Do I have to keep records?

Yes. Most Cook County suburbs require photo ID, item descriptions with serial numbers, purchase date, and amount paid retained one to three years. Many require electronic upload to Leads Online within 24 hours of purchase.

How long must I hold an item?

Hold periods vary by ordinance but typically run 10 to 15 days in suburban Cook to allow police to identify stolen property. Pawnbrokers under 205 ILCS 510 follow longer state hold periods, generally 30 days from pledge or purchase.