Secondhand Dealer License

License Required

A Secondhand Dealer License is required for any for-profit business operating within the City of Peoria that buys, sells, or trades secondhand items.

Items Covered Under the License Include, but Are Not Limited To:

  • Jewelry, precious metals, or stones
  • Stamps, coins, or currency
  • Furniture or appliances
  • Auto parts and accessories
  • Electronics (such as phones, computers, gaming systems, and video games)
  • Musical instruments
  • Sporting goods and bicycles
  • Clothing, accessories, and similar items

Exemptions
The following activities do not require a Secondhand Dealer License:

  • Garage Sales
  • Sales conducted by governmental, civic, fraternal, educational, religious, or benevolent organizations
  • Sales or purchases regulated under the State of Illinois licensing laws, including licensed car dealers, used parts dealers, and automotive parts recyclers
  • Consumer shows or exhibitions of collectibles operated by already licensed businesses
  • Sales or trades of used books

License Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. A completed Secondhand Dealer License Application

  2. Proof that the applicant is 18 years of age or older

  3. A License and Permit Bond in the amount of $1,000

  4. A copy of the applicant’s valid State of Illinois ID or driver’s license

  5. A general description of the items to be sold or traded

LeadsOnline Reporting Requirement

All licensees are required to maintain a subscription with LeadsOnline. Any item deposited, pawned, or pledged must be entered into the LeadsOnline system within 12 hours of receipt of the item.

Mandatory Waiting Periods

Licensed dealers must observe the following waiting periods before selling or transferring items:

14-Day Waiting Period:

  • All items with serial numbers or identifying marks (excluding appliances)
  • Memorabilia or collectibles (e.g. autographed items, sports cards, collectible stamps, figurines)
  • Collectible artwork
  • Jewelry (precious metals or gemstones; excludes costume jewelry)
  • Collectible currency and coins
  • Musical instruments
  • Automobile wheels and rims

7-Day Waiting Period:

  • Appliances
  • Gold, silver, or other precious metal coins or bars valued solely as commodities (not collectible or uniquely identifiable)

No Waiting Period:

  • Video games, music (CDs, cassette tapes, records), and movies (DVDs, VHS)
  • Furniture
  • Sporting Goods and Bicycles
  • Clothing, accessories, and similar items
  • Tools