Shops and traders

Any person (sole trader/company/partnership) carrying on a business as a dealer in second hand goods or articles requires a licence.  The list below shows the type of goods that require a licence:

• Motor Vehicles, motor cycles and caravans, including spare parts, accessories and tyres
• Bicycles
• Personal effects including children’s toys, clothing, jewellery, watches, cameras and photographic equipment, and mobile telephone equipment
• Antiques, paintings, historical prints and maps
• Household effects including electrical and gas goods, personal computers, computer peripherals and discs
• Musical instruments
• Vinyl records, cassettes, compact discs and DVD/Blu-ray discs
• Stamps and coins
• Antique and modern furniture and soft furnishings
• Books and magazines
• Garden equipment, garden ornaments and statues
• Manufactured and general goods

There are certain businesses that do not require a licence, such as pawn brokers, business of a charity etc.

How do I apply and how we will deal with you application?

You must complete the application form and submit it with the fee to the licensing section.  You must then display the site notice (below) for a period of 21 days at the premises where it will be easily seen by members of the public.  After that period please return the completed Certificate of Compliance (below) to the licensing office. 

We will send a copy of your application to the Police and East Lothian Council officers for comments.  

Download the second-hand dealer guidance notes

Download an application form

Download the second-hand dealer site notice

Download the certificate of compliance  (To be completed after the 21 days notice period then returned to the licensing office.)

Licence Fees

**Please note:  Licence fees are non-refundable**

**Variations to a licence only cover a change to the licence holder's home address, operating hours or day-to-day manager details**