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Licenses/Permits for Pawnbrokers, Precious Metal & Gem Dealers, Secondhand Merchants
The following licenses and permits may be obtained by completing this application. An individual may apply for all three licenses/permits on the same application, if applicable to their role in the business. The applicant must make an appointment, complete the entire application, and bring it to the Police Department's Licensing Section. The application must be presented in person by the applicant and must be notarized by the Licensing Section. There is no charge for notary services. Valid identification is required.
PROCESS INFORMATION
Expand all- LICENSE/PERMIT DESCRIPTIONS
- A Pawnbroker License is issued to the owner of the business (covering all employees of the business), and is valid for the duration of time the business is operating after the application process is completed and approval is given by the Prince William County Circuit Court.
- A Secondhand Merchant License is issued to the manager or principal operator of the business (covering all employees of the business) and is valid for one year from the date issued. It may be renewed in the same manner as such permit was initially obtained. A list of items being purchased that qualify a business as a secondhand merchant are listed in County Code section 20.4-1.
- A Precious Metals and Gem Permit is issued to each employee of a business who wishes to conduct purchases, loans or acquisitions of precious metals or gems for the business. It is valid for one year from the date issued, and may be renewed in the same manner as such permit was initially obtained.
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND FEES
(Payment may be made in cash, or with the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, Visa)
Pawnbroker License
- Completion of the application as described above.
- There is no application fee; however, a nominal fee for fingerprinting services may be assessed.
- A petition must be filed with the Circuit Court after the application process is complete and the approved petition presented to the Licensing Section for the license to be issued.
Precious Metals and Gem Dealer Permit
- Completion of the application as described above.
- Payment of $200 application fee.
- Written verification of inspection and approval of all weighing devices to be used in the business, issued within the last year.
Secondhand Merchant License
- Completion of the application as described above.
- There is no application fee; however, a nominal fee for fingerprinting services may be assessed.
- VALID IDENTIFICATION
ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE:
Current driver’s license with photograph, or a valid DMV photograph ID card with current address.
