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
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
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.
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
Payment methods and details
Accepted payment methods
| Where | Accepted payment |
|---|---|
| Online through the eCLIPSE application
(There is a $500,000 limit for online payments.) |
|
| In person at the Permit and License Center in the Municipal Services Building |
|
| In person at the Cashier’s Station in the Municipal Services Building
(Items paid at the Cashier’s Station will be mailed within five business days.) |
|
Credit and debit card payments
Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions.
Checks and money orders
Check requirements
- Make all checks and money orders payable to the “City of Philadelphia.”
- The individual or company listed on the check must be listed on the application.
- Personal checks are accepted.
- Checks and money orders must have issue dates within 12 months of the transaction.
Reasons your check may be rejected
L&I will not accept checks that are missing depository information or are:
- Unsigned.
- Expired.
- Post-dated.
- Starter checks without account info.
Returned payment policy
If your check is returned unpaid for insufficient or uncollected funds:
- You will be charged a $20 fee for collection.
- You authorize the City of Philadelphia or its agent to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account to collect this fee directly.
- The City of Philadelphia or its agent may re-present your check electronically to your depository institution for payment.
- If the City is unable to obtain payment, the license, permit, or appeal application will be void.
- You cannot take any additional action under a permit until you have paid all fees.
- The permit or license will be revoked if the outstanding fees are not paid within 30 days.
- You cannot file or obtain additional permits until you resolve the outstanding debt.
Late license payment
If you renew your license more than 60 days after the due date, you will be charged 1.5% of the license fee for each month since the license expired.
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