Secondhand Dealer General License

If you buy or sell used goods in New York City, you need a Secondhand Dealer General license. This does not include cars. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives out this license.

• Get your Business Certificate
  You need a Business Certificate. This depends on your business type. You do not need to submit this document with your application, but DCWP may ask for it.

  • If you use a name other than your own, get a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Partnerships need a Partnership Certificate. They may also need an Assumed Name Certificate.
  • Corporations, Limited Partnerships, LLCs or LLPs must register with the New York State Division of Corporations. Check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

• Complete the Basic License Application
  Fill out the Basic License Application. You will need:

  • Business information and ID numbers (EIN, SSN or ITIN)
  • Contact information for the business and owner
  • History of criminal and civil charges for owners, partners, shareholders and officers
  • DCWP license history for people on the application and their relatives

• Provide your Sales Tax ID
  Include your New York State Sales Tax ID Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application. Learn more about the Sales Tax Vendor Registration Certificate of Authority

• Submit a compliance bond
  Provide a copy of a $1,000 compliance bond. It must be signed and name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder. The business name and address on the bond must match the license application. Include a copy of the bond receipt showing full payment. It should not expire before the licensing period ends. Download list of bonding companies (PDF)

• Granting Authority to Act Affirmation
  If someone else files the application, the license applicant must submit a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation. The applicant must sign all required documents. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF)

• Fingerprinting
  All Sole Proprietors, General Partners, Corporate Officers, Principals, Directors, Members and Shareholders owning 10 percent or more of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted.
  
  Visit uenroll.identogo.com. Use Service Code 1585KT and the numbers from your Application Number as the Agency ID. Follow the instructions and pay the required fees. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

• List of fees

  • $340: License fee for new applications from August 1 of odd-numbered years to January 31 of even-numbered years
  • $255: License fee for new applications from February 1 to July 31 of even-numbered years
  • $170: License fee for new applications from August 1 of even-numbered years to January 31 of odd-numbered years
  • $85: License fee for new applications from February 1 to July 31 of odd-numbered years
  • Fingerprint processing fee per person
  • Non-refundable 2% convenience fee for credit card payments

• Accepted payment methodsYou can pay by:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, in person only)

  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, in person only)

  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover card)

Two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers, you will get a letter about your license.

• If your application is approved:
  DCWP will send you your license.

• If your application needs more information:
  DCWP will send you a letter. It will tell you what to send. You must send the papers within 10 days. If you do not, your application will be denied.

• If your application is denied:
  DCWP will tell you why. They will also tell you how to apply again.

• Inform DCWP of changes: If any information you gave in your approved application changes, you must tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). You can call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. DCWP suggests calling 311 to check if you need to visit the center for any specific change. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.
  
  Follow laws and rules: All laws and rules of New York City, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are available through the Public Access Portal.

1. Receive renewal application: Before your license expires, DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.

2. Submit renewal application: If you plan to keep operating, you must submit your renewal application at least 15 days before your license expires.

1. Receive renewal application: Before your license expires, DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.

2. Submit renewal application: If you plan to keep operating, you must submit your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You must make an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

1. Receive renewal application: Before your license expires, DCWP will mail you a license renewal application and instructions.

2. Submit renewal application: If you plan to keep operating, you must submit your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before your license expires. You can mail these materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center.
   
   Licensing Center
   42 Broadway
   New York, NY 10004
   Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov