Section 21-39 took effect October 1, 2011 and placed new requirements on Pawnbrokers, and Precious Metals or Stones Dealers. The public act also requires the licensing of a new category of dealers, Secondhand Dealers. Under the public act, the Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is designated as the licensing authority for towns under the jurisdiction of the Connecticut State Police.
Dealers in towns or cities with an organized police departments are required to obtain their licenses from that police department.
Pawnbrokers, Precious Metals and Stones Dealers and the new licensing category of Secondhand Dealers are required to apply with the appropriate forms to DESPP through the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit at DESPP Headquarters in Middletown.
There are a variety of new reporting requirements including the electronic reporting of transactions for certain dealers. Secondhand Dealers are defined in the public act as dealers that are primarily engaged in the business of purchasing personal property of any type from a person who is not a wholesaler, for the purpose of reselling or exchanging the property. The public act lists a number of exceptions to the Secondhand Dealer definition such as antique dealers, coin and stamp dealers, and consignment shops. Dealers should review the public act and then call the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit if they have any questions.
Pawnbrokers and Precious Metals and Stones Dealers that are currently licensed by a town under the jurisdiction of State Police can continue to operate under that license however they are required to comply with the requirements of the public act, including the requirement to apply for a renewal of their license 60 days before the expiration of their existing license.
Please note Individuals applying for a license need to submit the fee and fingerprints for each license application submitted.
Laws and legislation
Read the legislation around pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers, and precious metals or stones dealers.
Forms and documents
You can find all the relevant paperwork you may need on our Special Licensing and Firearms Forms and Documents page.