Chapter 33 of the Fairfax County Code requires that a dealer purchasing precious metals or gems (PMG) from the public must obtain a permit.  PMG dealer permits are issued by the Regulation and Licensing Branch. 

All applicants must appear in person at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 127, Fairfax VA 22035 to apply. Applicants can reach us at 703-324-5966.  Applications are accepted Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. 

The following are required by the Regulation and Licensing Branch to apply for a Precious Metal and Gem Dealer permit: 

1. Application and Release of Personal Information form; signed and notarized. Notary services are provided during the application  process at no charge to applicants.
2. Valid, unexpired state-issued picture identification.
3. Applicants who live or have lived outside of Virginia in the past 12 months must provide a state background check from their state of residence (other than Virginia, normally available through the state police.
4.  Copy of Fairfax County Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) from Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration.
5.  Copy of non-residential use permit (non-RUP) for business location from Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development.
6.  Surety bond, payable to Fairfax County, Virginia in amount of $10,000.
7.  Copy of Virginia “Placed in Service” report for trade scale. A list of scale companies certified by Virginia Office of Product and Industry Standards is available from the Regulation and Licensing Branch.
8.  Payment of $215.00, payable to County of Fairfax by cash, check, money order or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted for payment of license fees.

Allow 14 – 21 days for approval of permit.

Fairfax County Police Requirements

Once permitted, PMG dealers must meet reporting and storage requirements, as detailed in Chapter 33 of the Fairfax County Code. Please contact the Fairfax County Police Department for specific requirements.

Fairfax County Police Department
4100 Chain Bridge Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Office: 703-246-4771
Mobile: 571-641-7218
Fax: 703-246-7956

Transient PMG Dealer Requirements

For transient PMG licensees who do not conduct business in Fairfax County on a daily basis, or for resident permit holders who wish to conduct a special buying event at a location other than their regular place of business, the following notice of business activities must be given:

10 business days prior to conducting a buying event at any temporary location, licensee must notify the Regulation and Licensing branch and the Pawn Unit of Fairfax County Police Department in writing of the dates, hours and address of the buying event. Notice shall be given for each buying event conducted in Fairfax County. Such notice shall be delivered in person or by fax, email or US Mail.

Buying events must be conducted from a commercial location and open to the public. Fairfax County PMG permit must be displayed at each buying event.

Download a PMG permit application (pdf)

Fairfax County Code Chapter 33