How to Apply
How to apply for a licence or certificate from the Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers.
The first step in applying for a licence or certificate from the Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers is to fill out an application form.
You can download an application form or have one emailed, faxed or posted to you. You can also download a fact sheet to help you complete the form.
Once you have completed your application, send it along with the application fee and any relevant documents to:
Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers
Private Bag 32-001
Panama Street
Wellington, 6146
What happens next
As long as your application is complete and you have provided all the information we need, we will register it and enter your details into a database.
Our staff will check that you don't have any convictions for offences specified in the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act that would prevent you from holding a licence or certificate.
If the report shows you have no disqualifying convictions, the Licensing Authority will then determine your application.
The police may still object to you holding a licence if they believe you are not a 'fit and proper person'. The police have three weeks to object if they are going to do so.
If we find that you have a disqualifying conviction, you can apply for a waiver (as long as your conviction was not for a specified offence). The Authority may waive disqualification where there are special reasons why you should not be disqualified. If you have not applied for a waiver against disqualification, your application will not be granted.
A straightforward application usually takes about five weeks to process.
Renewing your licence or certificate
Any licence or certificate expires after five years, at which point you must reapply. You will need to pay the full fee and we will do a new criminal history check. We will write to you just before your current licence or certificate expires to remind you.
