Secondhand Dealers: Palo Alto vs San Jose
How do secondhand dealers rules compare between Palo Alto, CA and San Jose, CA?
Palo Alto has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
Palo Alto, CA
Santa Clara County
California Business and Professions Code Section 21626 requires secondhand dealers to register with local law enforcement, hold tangible items 30 days, and report acquisitions daily; the Santa Clara County Sheriff administers registration for unincorporated areas.
View full Palo Alto rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
California Business and Professions Code Section 21626 and SJMC Chapter 6.18 require secondhand dealers to obtain a state license through SJPD, hold purchases for 30 days, and report every transaction electronically.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Palo Alto | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CA Bus and Prof Section 21626 | - |
| Registration | SCC Sheriff for unincorporated | - |
| Hold period | 30 days minimum | 30 days minimum |
| Reporting | State CAPSS or LEADS | - |
| Penalty | Misdemeanor and revocation | - |
| State law | - | Cal. Bus. and Prof. 21626 |
| Local code | - | SJMC Chapter 6.18 |
| Reporting system | - | CAPSS daily |
| Issuing agency | - | SJPD permits unit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Palo Alto FAQ
Do thrift stores need secondhand dealer registration?
Charitable thrift stores receiving donated goods are generally exempt. Buy-sell-trade resellers, consignment electronics, and jewelry resale shops must register and report acquisitions.
How long must items be held before resale?
At least 30 days for most tangible property under state law, with longer holds for certain categories. Items must remain on premises and reportable during the hold.
San Jose FAQ
Does a consignment store count as a secondhand dealer?
Often yes. If the store buys used tangible personal property for resale rather than holding on consignment for the original owner, Business and Professions Code Section 21626 generally requires a secondhand dealer license.
Can I sell an item I bought at a flea market right away?
No. The 30-day police hold under Business and Professions Code Section 21636 applies to all secondhand purchases. Items must remain on premises and reported in CAPSS for at least thirty days before resale.
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