Business Licensing & Operations in Erie County, NY (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Erie County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Secondhand Dealers
Erie County requires every secondhand dealer to be licensed by the Erie County Sheriff under Local Law No. 1 of 2018, but exempts nonprofit thrift operations, occasional yard sales, used-car dealers, antique dealers, and secondhand clothing stores. Operating unlicensed can draw a $1,000 fine and, after repeat violations, a misdemeanor charge.
Secondhand Dealer Licensing in Erie County
Significant RestrictionsErie County Local Law No. 1 of 2018, §§ 5-6
SECTION 5. Licensing A. Every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, jewelry and coin exchange dealer, or precious metal exchange operating within Erie County is required to be licensed according to this local law. B. The Erie County Sheriff shall be the licensing authority authorized to issue dealer licenses under this law. SECTION 6. A. The following entities are exempt from the licensing requirement...
Pawnbrokers
Every pawnbroker operating in Erie County must hold a dealer's license issued by the Erie County Sheriff under Local Law No. 1 of 2018. The law bars pawnbrokers from buying goods from anyone under 18, sets a mandatory 14-day (or 30-day, on police request) holding period before resale, and ties license fees to the City of Buffalo's schedule.
Pawnbroker Licensing in Erie County, NY
Significant RestrictionsErie County Local Law No. 1 of 2018, §§ 3, 5
SECTION 3. Definitions 11) "Pawnbroker" - Any person or business establishment who holds goods as collateral on short-term, high-interest loans or a person who qualifies as a "collateral loan broker" pursuant to § 52 of the New York General Business Law. SECTION 5. Licensing A. Every pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, jewelry and coin exchange dealer, or precious metal exchange operating within Eri...
Business Licensing & Operations by City in Erie County
1 cities in Erie County have their own business licensing & operations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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