Secondhand Dealers: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do secondhand dealers rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio and Universal City have similar restriction levels.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio secondhand dealers, including used-jewelry buyers, used-merchandise stores, and metal recyclers, must register under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 and report transactions to SAPD's Pawn Detail through LeadsOnline within 48 hours to support stolen-property recovery.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires metal recycling entities and certain secondhand dealers in Bexar County to register with the Department of Public Safety, verify seller identity, and file daily transaction reports to deter theft and fencing.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| State law | TX Occupations Ch. 1956 | - |
| Reporting system | LeadsOnline within 48 hours | - |
| Hold period | 14 days before resale | - |
| Metal cash ban | Catalytic converter, copper wire | - |
| Local enforcement | SAPD Pawn Detail | - |
| Statute | - | TX Occ Code 1956 |
| State registration | - | DPS required |
| Cash limits | - | Apply to regulated metals |
| Reporting | - | Daily to TXOPS |
| Photo records | - | Mandatory |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
How long must a San Antonio thrift or pawn shop hold purchased items?
At least 14 days before resale or alteration. The hold lets SAPD compare LeadsOnline submissions against stolen-property reports filed citywide. Selling early can trigger criminal charges and civil-forfeiture actions.
Can San Antonio scrap yards pay cash for catalytic converters?
No. Texas Occupations Code Section 1956.038 requires payment by check or electronic transfer for catalytic converters, copper wire, and other restricted metals. Cash payments expose recyclers to license revocation.
Universal City FAQ
Do thrift stores need to file daily reports?
Most general thrift stores do not, but dealers handling regulated metals, jewelry, electronics, or certain other secondhand categories may fall under Chapter 1956 and must register with DPS.
Can scrap yards pay cash for catalytic converters?
No. Texas law restricts cash payments and requires identifying information, photographs, and a holding period for catalytic converters and other commonly stolen metal items.
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