Second-Hand or Precious Metal or Gem Dealers

Businesses selling second-hand goods (including firearms) or precious metals and gems are subject to special requirements. 

Before proceeding with your application, review the following information.

The definition and list of regulated items are in the Gresham Revised Code 9.15.020.

Process and required forms

Step 1. Obtain a background check through the Oregon State open records check

Business owner and employee application

Owners and employees of precious metal and gem and secondhand dealer shops must agree to a background check before obtaining a secondhand dealer permit.

The completed background check results must be attached to the personal history form when it is returned to the City.

Fee: $10 paid by the applicant to the State of Oregon

Get additional information about Oregon open records by calling the Oregon State Police Open Records Unit Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at 503-378-3070 or visiting the Oregon Open Records website. 

Step 2. Complete and submit a precious metal and gem/second-hand dealer business license application

1. Personal history and background check agreement
2. Precious metal and gem/secondhand dealer license application
   • You will be asked to attach a personal history form and a background check for each person involved in the business. Please scan all documents into one PDF to attach to your application (you will be prompted when to do so).
3. Fee: $80 business license fee + $3 per employee (3 or more)

Selling of regulated property

After you have obtained your business license, here’s what you need to know before for selling. 

Step 3. Seller's information

In order for a dealer to purchase property, the dealer must have the seller complete a declaration of ownership, including thumbprint, and obtain a copy of the seller's valid photo identification, or take a photograph of the seller.

The dealer is required to retain declaration of ownership forms for a period of one year. 

See Gresham Revised Code 9.15.080 for more information.

Step 4. Submitting transaction reports

Dealers must submit daily transaction reports on a form or format designated by Gresham's Chief of Police.

• Less than 50 items per year: Reporting forms can be obtained and submitted at the Gresham Police Department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am-6:00 pm.  See Gresham Revised Code 9.15.080 for more information. 
• 50 or more items per year: Visit LeadsOnline and click "register" for a free business account to submit your report.

Step 5. Holding period

Dealers are required to affix a tag to the property with a number that corresponds to the number on the report outlined above in "Submitting transaction reports."

Dealers must hold regulated property for 30 days before that property can be sold. 

After the applicable holding period has expired, the transaction number must remain identifiable on the property until the sale of the property, except for the following items:

• Hand tools or items sold with other like items that have no identifiable numbers or markings
• Items that are re-manufactured

See Gresham Revised Code 9.15.090 for more information.

Important information

State license and pawn dealers report

Items pawned, rather than sold at state-licensed pawn shops, are regulated by the State of Oregon, not the City of Gresham. Items sold to state-licensed pawn shops are required to follow the same procedure as outlined above under "Selling of Regulated Property."

If stolen property is seized or placed on police hold

If the police locate stolen property in a pawn shop, precious metal or gem dealer or secondhand dealer shop, the items will be placed on police hold, and if possible, the rightful owner of the property will be notified. 

The rightful owner of the stolen property is required by Gresham Revised Code 9.15.115 to send a release of stolen property letter to the dealer by certified mail notifying them that they are the rightful property owner and that property seized under ORS 133.633 is required to be returned to the rightful owner within 10 days from the date of the notification, unless the dealer files a motion for return or restoration of seized property with the court. 

If the motion is not filed, the stolen property is required to be returned to the rightful owner free of charge. If the dealer files a motion, all parties with an interest in the property will be notified of a court hearing date and will have the option to present their case before a judge. The judge will have the final say regarding who the property will be released to.