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Second-hand dealers or pawnbroker licences

Second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers require a licence to operate in the ACT. That means you need a licence if you are a person who:

  • deals in, buys or sells second-hand goods, including as an agent for someone else, or
  • lends money on the security of an article taken by the person by way of pawn, pledge or as security.

If you have a licence in another state or territory, you may be eligible to work in the ACT under the Automatic Mutual Recognition Scheme.

Traders licences

Under the Traders (Licensing) Act 2016 Access Canberra is responsible for licensing second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers.

Apply for a traders licence

Individuals, partnerships, corporations and associations can apply for a traders licence.

You can choose from a 1-year or 5-year licence.

Applying as an individual or partnership

  1. Use the Application for Motor Vehicle Sale, Motor Vehicle Repairer, Second-Hand Dealer and Pawnbroker Licences form.
  2. Upload:
    • for all applicants, 2 current proof of identity documents. One needs to be a primary proof of identity and include a photograph of the applicant
    • for all applicants, a name-only police check certificate.
  3. Complete the declaration.
  4. Pay the fee.
  5. Use the Application for Motor Vehicle Sale, Motor Vehicle Repairer, Second-Hand Dealer and Pawnbroker Licences form.
  6. Upload:
    • a current company extract issued by ASIC (issued within 30 days of applying) or Certificate of incorporation
    • for each company director or committee member, 2 current proof of identity documents including one with a photograph
    • for each company director or committee member, a name-only police check certificate.
  7. Complete the declaration.
  8. Pay the fee.

Applying as a corporation or association

Access Canberra will contact you if we have any questions about your application or answers in the declaration.

Once approved, your licence will be emailed to you for printing if you wish.

Your details will be listed in the relevant public register, as well as the Trader licences register.

Renew your traders licence

Use the Application for Motor Vehicle Sale, Motor Vehicle Repairer, Second-Hand Dealer and Pawnbroker Licences form and pay the fee.

Apply for or renew your traders licence

Update or transfer your licence

If you need to change your contact or premises details, or want to transfer your licence to someone else use the Traders licence change of details or transfer form.

Update or transfer your traders licence

Surrender your traders licence

You can surrender your licence by writing to Access Canberra advising you are surrendering your licence. You can write by:

  • post to Commissioner for Fair Trading, GPO Box 158, Canberra City ACT 2601.
  • email to citl@act.gov.au

If you printed a physical copy of your licence, attach it to your statement. The Commissioner will respond to you in writing confirming your licence is cancelled.

Fees

Fees for 2022-2023:

  • Application for issue or renewal of a second-hand dealer or pawnbroker licence: 1 year - $167.00, 5 years - $758.00
  • Application for issue or renewal of a second-hand dealer licence for 10 days in 1 year: $76.00.