Service overview
You need a license to sell or appraise precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, excluding coins and bullions.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Individuals can apply for this license. This license is not issued to businesses or locations.
Requirements
Other licenses, registrations, and approvals
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Zoning approval for the location of the business
Ownership information
Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.
Where and when
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Cost
There is a non-refundable application fee of $20 applied toward the balance of the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
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How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
After you get your license, you must:
- Register with the Philadelphia Police Department’s online inventory tracking system. All precious metal dealers must enter daily transaction information into the database.
- Get all scales or other devices that you use to weigh precious metals approved for commercial use in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They must also be inspected and sealed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards’ Weights and Measures Division.
- Notify the Pennsylvania Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards’ Weights and Measures Division whenever a weighing device is moved from one location to another.
- Place scales and weighing devices so the customer can read their measurements.
- Place signs need near the weighing device that quote the prices you offer for different units and fineness of precious metals.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- Valid email address