A second-hand dealer licence allows you to acquire, sell, dispose of or exchange second-hand goods, either on commission or not.
A pawnbroker licence allows you to take security of an item, known as a pawn or pledge, and lend a sum of money for profit in return.
You can apply for either licence as:
- an individual
- a partnership
- a corporation.
You can also apply for a combined second-hand dealer and pawnbroker licence.
You do not need a second-hand dealer licence if you:
- sell weapons as a licensed weapons dealer
- hire out second-hand goods
- are a registered banking or life insurance company, trustee company, or friendly or building society
- are a registered charity
- are a community or religious organisation
- are a local government
- sell only property not considered second-hand goods, as listed below.
These are not considered second-hand goods:
- newspapers, books, pamphlets, periodicals or other printed publications
- stamps or coins
- goods or items that buyers return to the same seller for refund or exchange
- motor vehicle batteries
- used tyres
- collector’s cards.
You do not need a pawnbroker licence if you are a banker, broker, commission agent, licensed auctioneer or merchant banker who lends money on property taken as security as part of banking or mercantile transactions.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for a second-hand dealer or pawnbroker licence, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- have at least one place of business in Queensland.
You must not:
- be an insolvent under administration
- have been convicted of a disqualifying offence within the previous five years
- be an externally administered body corporate.
Both the licensee and their associates must satisfy the eligibility criteria to get the licence.
Training requirements
There are no training requirements for these licences.
Applying for a licence
To apply for a second-hand dealer or pawnbroker licence, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria
- complete the 2nd Hand Dealers Application Form, including:
- all the places you will operate as a second-hand dealer
- your associates’ names and addresses (a person who represents the licensee in the business or who is regularly in charge of the business)
- provide originals or certified copies of your and your associates’ identification, such as a drivers licence, passport, birth certificate, birth extract, Certificate of Australian Citizenship or deed poll
- pay the licence fee of $560 for 1 year or $1280 for 3 years
- pay the criminal history check fee of $35.50 for each person
- lodge your application (see lodgement options on the application form).
After we approve your application, we place your business name and details on a register that the public can search to confirm you are licensed.
(Information above taken from the Dept Employment, Economic Development & Innovation)