Secondhand Dealers: Federal Way vs Seattle
How do secondhand dealers rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA?
Federal Way and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Secondhand goods dealers in King County must register with local police, record seller identification, and hold purchased items for a minimum period under RCW 19.60 to allow recovery of stolen property by law enforcement.
View full Federal Way rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Secondhand dealers in Seattle must register under SMC 6.288, comply with WA RCW 19.60 reporting, hold purchases for 30 days, photograph and electronically transmit transaction details to the Seattle Police Department through LeadsOnline, and verify seller identification.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| State law | RCW 19.60 | RCW 19.60 |
| Hold period | 30 days minimum | - |
| Reporting | To local police | - |
| System | LeadsOnline common | - |
| City code | - | SMC 6.288 |
| Holding period | - | 30 days |
| Reporting system | - | LeadsOnline daily |
| Charity exemption | - | Most donations exempt |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
How long must secondhand dealers hold purchased items?
RCW 19.60 requires at least a 30-day holding period before resale, allowing law enforcement time to identify stolen property and notify owners of recovery.
Do online resellers need to comply?
Yes, if they buy used personal property in the course of business in King County. The statute applies regardless of whether sales occur in-store or online.
Seattle FAQ
What counts as a secondhand dealer?
Anyone whose business includes buying or trading used merchandise — including jewelry buyers, used-electronics shops, gold buyers, and many consignment stores accepting items for cash or credit.
Can I resell goods immediately?
No. RCW 19.60 imposes a 30-day hold so SPD can compare incoming items against theft reports. Altering, melting, or selling earlier exposes the dealer to criminal liability.
Compare other topics
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