AZ
Phoenix, AZ · city specifics
What's specific to Phoenix
Verified for 2026Confidence: Confirmed
This page covers only what's specific to Phoenix. For the state-wide rules, read the Arizona guide.Arizona guideAt a glance
Local permit
YesSecondhand Dealer License (Phoenix City Code Ch. 19)
Where to apply
Phoenix City Clerk Department, License Services
Reporting system
Phoenix Police Department online reporting portal
Holding period
10 days
Fees
$130 application, or $70 reduced (filed the same day when no background check is required), plus a $30 annual license fee (§ 19-5)
Fingerprinting
Yes
Want the whole picture? Get the federal, state and Phoenix rules together, for how you buy and sell.
Build my Phoenix plan →Phoenix requires a local Secondhand Dealer License under Chapter 19 of the City Code. The specifics below are what Phoenix adds on top of the state rules — the state-wide substance is in the Arizona guide.
Local details
Everything a city page adds on top of the state rules. Fields that weren't found in the source are marked so — confirm them with the city, never assume.
- Permit required
- Yes
- Official name
- Secondhand Dealer License (Phoenix City Code Ch. 19)
- Who it applies to
- A "secondhand dealer" is anyone conducting the business of buying, selling, trading, exchanging, or receiving on consignment secondhand goods (Phoenix City Code § 19-1); a watch dealer is covered. The § 19-3.01 exemptions — such as dealing exclusively in assayed bullion, or exclusively in titled property — do not reach a watch dealer, and there is no exemption for appointment-only, no-storefront, or online-only dealers.
- Reporting system
- Phoenix Police Department online reporting portal
- What must be reported
- Every item received by purchase, trade, exchange, or consignment that bears a serial number or has a fair market value over $100 (§ 19-40). Watches are not on the § 19-42 exemption list, so they are reportable.
- Reporting cadence
- Within 24 hours of receipt, through the Police Department online reporting portal; keep a copy on the premises for six months. A $3.50 fee applies per report (§ 19-51).
- Holding period
- 10 daysProperty from a reportable transaction must be held at the place of business, unaltered, for 10 calendar days after the report is submitted to police (§ 19-41).
- Fingerprinting
- YesOne complete set of fingerprints is required at application (§ 19-6), submitted to the Arizona Department of Public Safety for a state and federal criminal-records check (§ 19-8.01).
- Zoning / home office
- The business must comply with the city zoning ordinance (§ 19-6). Home- occupation specifics for a no-storefront dealer live in the zoning code, which was not separately reviewed.
- Fees
- $130 application, or $70 reduced (filed the same day when no background check is required), plus a $30 annual license fee (§ 19-5)Renewal: Annual; licenses run Jan 1–Dec 31; renew by the last city business day of the expiration month, with a 10% penalty for late renewal through January (§ 19-4)Source reviewed: 2026-09-21 (Phoenix City Code § 19-5, current online version through Ord. G-7524)
Confirm with your city
Anything marked “Not confirmed” above wasn't in the source we reviewed. Before you rely on it, confirm the permit, fee, reporting system, and holding period directly with the city office listed here, and check the sources at the bottom of this page.
Does this apply to you?
Some of these rules turn on how you actually operate. Answer a question and we’ll show what the rule says for that answer — with the citation. This is general information, not a legal determination about your business.
How do you run the business — storefront, by appointment, or online only?
Phoenix's definition covers anyone in the business of buying, selling, trading, or taking secondhand goods on consignment (§ 19-1).
Which application fee applies to you?
A first-time secondhand-dealer license normally requires fingerprinting and a background check (§ 19-6, § 19-8.01), so most new dealers pay the full fee.
Things to confirm
Confidence: ConfirmedOpen items a professional should verify before you rely on this page.
- Confirm how the city zoning code (home occupation, any spacing rules) applies to an appointment-only, no-storefront watch dealer.
Turn this guide into your plan
Answer a few questions about how you buy and sell. The compliance checker puts Phoenix's rules together with the rest — federal, state and city — in one checklist, every step with its official source. It's free, and your plan is emailed to you.
Build my Phoenix plan →Tell me when Phoenix, AZ changes
Permits, fees and holding periods change without notice. We'll email you when this guide is re-verified, and what changed.
Sources
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-1 (Definitions) in Chapter 19 - Licenses. SECONDHAND DEALER means any person who is engaged in conducting; managing; facilitating or carrying on the business of BUYING; SELLING; TRADING; EXCHANGING; RECEIVING ON CONSIGNMENT or otherwise dealing in SECONDHAND GOODS; WARES; MERCHANDISE OR ARTICLES; whether such business be the principal or sole business so carried on or BE MERELY INCIDENTAL TO; IN CONNECTION WITH; OR A BRANCH OR A DEPARTMENT OF SOME OTHER BUSINESS. SECONDHAND GOODS means any new or used property that has been sold; traded; exchanged; consigned or otherwise disposed of by its original owner. TRADE-IN means the exchange of any new or used item for another new or used item. BULLION COIN means a coin that is sold; traded or exchanged based upon the value of the metal it contains and not based upon its scarcity. COIN means a piece of metal stamped and issued by the authority of a government for use as money. CONTROLLING PERSON means any person who has a 20 percent or greater interest. Two points matter for a watch dealer: CONSIGNMENT IS EXPRESSLY INSIDE the definition; and the trade is caught even where it is merely incidental to another business — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-3 (License required) - A. IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO OPERATE A MERCANTILE BUSINESS within the corporate limits of the City WITHOUT POSSESSING A VALID LICENSE as provided in this chapter. B. it is unlawful to operate a business licensed under the chapter WHILE THE LICENSE IS SUSPENDED; REVOKED OR EXPIRED. C. it is unlawful to operate a mercantile business AT A LOCATION FOR WHICH the person has not obtained a license - so the licence is tied to the premises. D. it is unlawful to operate any mercantile business UNDER A BUSINESS NAME THAT IS NOT SPECIFIED IN THE LICENSE — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-5 (Schedule of fees) - A. the following fees shall be charged for applications and licences: AUCTIONEER $70.00 application / $30.00 annually; AUCTION HOUSE $135.00 application / $30.00 annually; SCRAP METAL DEALER $180.00 application / $130.00 annually; SECONDHAND DEALER $130.00 APPLICATION / $30.00 ANNUALLY. B. THE CITY CLERK SHALL REDUCE THE APPLICABLE APPLICATION FEE for each licence application FILED ON THE SAME DAY FOR WHICH A BACKGROUND CHECK IS NOT REQUIRED: auction house $75.00; scrap metal dealer $120.00; SECONDHAND DEALER $70.00. C. THE APPLICATION FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-40 (Report of transaction; transmittal; retention) - A. every person engaged in the business of auction house or secondhand dealer shall make out AT THE TIME OF THE TRANSACTION a true; complete and legible report of all goods or articles received on deposit or consignment; trade or exchange; or by purchase; THAT BEAR A SERIAL NUMBER OR HAVE A FAIR MARKET VALUE IN EXCESS OF $100.00. EFFECTIVE JULY 1 2014 ALL REPORTS SHALL BE MADE THROUGH THE PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT'S ONLINE REPORTING PORTAL; or other electronic mechanism approved in writing by the Police Department; WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER RECEIPT of the property concerned; delivery is accomplished when the report is confirmed as submitted by the portal. THE REPORTING PARTY SHALL RETAIN A COPY OF EACH REPORT ON THE PREMISES OF THE BUSINESS FOR SIX MONTHS from the date of the transaction. Each report shall contain for each item received: (1) AN ACCURATE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY; INCLUDING BRAND NAME AND SERIAL NUMBER if any - the word SCRAP shall not constitute a description; (2) the amount paid for the property or amount allowed in trade; (3) the date and time when the property was received; (4) A STATEMENT IN TEN-POINT BOLD TYPE; SIGNED BY THE PERSON FROM WHOM THE PROPERTY WAS RECEIVED; attesting that the information is complete and accurate and that they are the owner or are authorised; and that they understand THEY WILL BE GUILTY OF A CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR otherwise; (5) the name (printed); address and age of such person - and BEFORE ACCEPTING THE PROPERTY the reporting party shall require the person delivering it to IDENTIFY HIMSELF with a valid motor vehicle operator's licence; valid non-operating identification licence; valid armed forces identification card or other government-issued valid photo identification — retrieved 2026-09-23 · effective 2014-07-01 (portal requirement)
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-41 (Property holding period; condition; off-site storage) - A. an auction house or secondhand dealer SHALL RETAIN ANY PROPERTY obtained in a reportable transaction AT ITS PLACE OF BUSINESS; OR OTHER STORAGE LOCATION APPROVED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT; FOR A PERIOD OF TEN CALENDAR DAYS AFTER COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING the report required by Section 19-40. ANY ARTICLE HELD IN CUSTODY SHALL NOT BE ALTERED OR TRANSFORMED IN ANY WAY but shall be held in the same condition in which it was delivered. ANY ITEMS RECEIVED AS A SET SHALL BE REPORTED AND RETAINED AS A SET throughout the retention period. B. a licensee MAY APPLY TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR APPROVAL TO STORE MERCHANDISE AT A LOCATION OTHER THAN ITS PLACE OF BUSINESS; the application shall be approved if the Police Department believes in its discretion that the alternative location will not impair administration or enforcement. C. the application states the business name; licence number; street address of the requested off-site location; a description of the property to be stored; and other information reasonably required. D. approval MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME FOR GOOD CAUSE by hand delivery or certified mail; service by certified mail is complete five calendar days after mailing. E. THERE IS NO ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL from a decision to revoke a storage location. F. a revocation is effective on the ELEVENTH CALENDAR DAY after service. Note that the ten days run from SUBMISSION OF THE REPORT; not from receipt of the property; and that the no-alteration rule bars servicing or part-swapping during the hold — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-42 (Reporting and holding period exemptions) - A. Sections 19-40 and 19-41 SHALL NOT APPLY to transactions in any of the following categories; the ones capable of touching a watch dealer being: (1) purchases of BUSINESS INVENTORY OR BUSINESS EQUIPMENT FROM A BUSINESS WITH A FIXED BUSINESS LOCATION; provided the licensee acquires the business name and address; its state and local privilege (sales) tax licence number if applicable; and regardless of amount either a copy of the invoice or other document showing the business's bona fide purchase or right to possess; or a fully completed 19-40 transaction report signed by a representative with actual or apparent authority; (2) purchases of HOUSEHOLD ITEMS FROM A PLACE OF RESIDENCE provided payment is by check or other negotiable instrument payable to the seller (or in cash with a receipt bearing the seller's name and address verified from 19-40(A)(5) identification); AND the seller has produced documentary evidence establishing to a reasonable person that they are the lawful occupant or have the legal right to sell; which the licensee must record; (3) CONSIGNMENTS other than firearms; PROVIDED NO PAYMENT IS MADE TO THE CONSIGNOR FOR A PERIOD OF THREE CALENDAR DAYS after the date of the consignment; (9) goods received from a secondhand dealer or auction house holding a valid licence under this article; or a pawnbroker licensed under ARS 44-1627; (11) GOLD AND SILVER BULLION COINS; (12) assayed and properly marked gold; silver; platinum; rhodium or palladium bullion; (13) COINS; (14) commemorative medallions; (15) collectible cards. Also exempt are used clothing; furniture excluding pianos and other musical instruments; liquidation goods; used appliances; used tires; titled property; donated items from a 19-3.01(A)(1) organization with a written statement; audio records and cassettes; compact discs; digital video discs; video game software; and secondhand books; magazines; handbills or posters. B. ALL DOCUMENTATION OBTAINED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE RETAINED ON THE BUSINESS PREMISES FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS and made available for reasonable inspection by any peace officer during regular business hours. NOTE: there is no exemption for watches; jewellery or precious-metal articles that are not bullion or coins — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- City of Phoenix Secondhand Dealer License Application (REV 05/21) — retrieved 2026-09-20 · 2021-05
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-3.01 (Exemptions from licensing requirements) - A. the requirements of Articles I; IV and V DO NOT APPLY TO: (1) any organization exempt from federal income tax under IRC Section 501 or from Arizona income taxation under ARS 43-1201; to the extent of its nontaxable activities; (2) any person who deals EXCLUSIVELY in secondhand books; magazines; handbills or posters; (3) any person who deals EXCLUSIVELY in GOLD OR SILVER BULLION COINS; and/or gold; silver; platinum; rhodium or palladium BULLION that has been assayed and is properly marked as to its weight and fineness; (4) ANY PAWNBROKER WHO IS ENGAGED IN A PAWN TRANSACTION; (5) any person who deals exclusively in TITLED VEHICLES OR TITLED PROPERTY; (6) trade-ins of titled property; (7) the federal government; the State and its political subdivisions; (8) the operator of a self-service storage facility foreclosing its lien under ARS 33-1704. B. a person lawfully operating a licensed mercantile business need not obtain a separate licence to be a SWAP MEET PARTICIPANT provided the licence is prominently displayed at the swap meet. Note that every exemption in subsection A that could touch a watch dealer requires dealing EXCLUSIVELY in the exempt category — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-4 (Display of license; duration and renewal; late renewal; proration of fee) - A. ALL LICENSES SHALL BE DISPLAYED UPON THE BUSINESS PREMISES IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE clearly visible to the general public upon entry. B. ALL LICENSES SHALL BE ISSUED FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR and shall run FROM JANUARY 1 in each calendar year THROUGH DECEMBER 31 next following. C. a licence may be renewed by paying the renewal fee NO LATER THAN THE LAST CITY BUSINESS DAY IN THE MONTH OF EXPIRATION. D. annual renewal has no effect on any suspension or revocation proceedings. E. AN EXPIRED LICENCE MAY BE RENEWED by paying the renewal fee no later than the last City business day in THE FOLLOWING MONTH OF JANUARY; SUBJECT TO A PENALTY OF TEN PERCENT of the licence renewal fee; payable within 30 days of assessment. F. all licences issued during a licensing year HAVE THE LICENCE FEE PRORATED TO THE NEAREST MONTH — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-51 (Transaction fee) - AN AUCTION HOUSE OR SECONDHAND DEALER SHALL PAY TO THE CITY OF PHOENIX A FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF THREE DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS ($3.50) FOR EACH REPORT required to be prepared pursuant to Section 19-40 of this Article. THE FEE SHALL BE DUE ON THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE MONTH in which the reports are required to be completed. The fees payable and paid shall be recorded on a form prescribed by the City and are considered filed only when the accuracy of the return has been ATTESTED TO BY SIGNATURE by the auction house or secondhand dealer or its authorised agent; and received by the City. This is a PER-TRANSACTION cost on top of the annual licence fee: a dealer reporting one hundred qualifying intakes in a month owes three hundred and fifty dollars for that month — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
- Phoenix City Code Sec. 19-6 (Applications) - A. each APPLICANT; CONTROLLING PERSON AND DESIGNATED AGENT for a mercantile business licence shall submit to the City Clerk: (1) the date of application; full legal name and all other names by which known; (2) current residence address and telephone number; (3) legal form of applicant; the business names and the address at which the applicant intends to do business; (4) PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION; place and date of birth; and written proof of age by current photo identification issued by a governmental entity; (5) whether the applicant; designated agent or controlling person has EVER HAD ANY BUSINESS LICENCE OR PERMIT IN THIS OR ANY OTHER CITY OR STATE REFUSED; DENIED; REVOKED OR SUSPENDED; and the reason; (6) whether any of them has entered into a consent agreement with the City Clerk; (7) ALL PRIOR CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS; (8) ONE COMPLETE SET OF FINGERPRINTS; (9) for a corporation; partnership; LLC or other fictitious entity; the entity name exactly as shown in its organizing document with the state and date of formation; and the designation of one officer; member or general partner to sign; (10) the organizing document and all amendments; (11) the mailing address for City notices; (12) THE TYPE OF MERCHANDISE TO BE PURCHASED OR SOLD. B. the City Clerk has a reasonable period to investigate the application and background of those submitting it. Note that the fingerprint and conviction disclosure requirements reach the CONTROLLING PERSON (20 percent or greater interest) and the DESIGNATED AGENT; not only the named applicant — retrieved 2026-09-23 · current as displayed
Not legal advice. Confirm with your city or state office and a qualified professional.
Get help
Talk to a local attorney
Schedule a consultation with an attorney who handles secondhand-dealer licensing and small-business compliance near Phoenix, AZ. Confirm anything on this page, and get advice for your specific situation.
We're not a law firm and don't refer, rank, or endorse anyone. This opens a public Google Maps search, ordered by Google, not by us. Vet anyone yourself, confirm they handle secondhand-dealer licensing and small-business compliance, and remember nothing on this page is legal advice.