For current info please visit detroitmi.gov
Second Hand Sales
Customer are strongly encouraged to apply for Business Licenses online through BSEED's Electronic Licensing and Permitting System (eLAPS).
- Click here to learn how to get started.
- For additional assistance, please contact (313) 224-3179 or [email protected].
Application Guidelines
Refer to the table for the appropriate eLAPS application for your business.
Business License Type | Record Type | Application Name | License Type |
Junk Yard Dealer | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Junk Yard Dealer |
Pawnbroker | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Pawnbroker |
Scrap Iron & Metal Processor | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Scrap Iron & Metal Processor |
Second Hand and Clothing | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Second Hand and Clothing |
Jewelry Store | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Jewelry Store |
Tire Store | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Tire Store |
Used Auto Dealer | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Used Auto Dealer |
Used Auto & Parts | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Used Auto & Parts |
Wrecking & Dismantling Yard | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Wrecking & Dismantling Yard |
Car Wash | Second Hand Sales | Second Hand Store Application | Car Wash |
Required Clearances
Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the Clearances required for your business.
Business License Type |
Bond / Insurance |
Police (Background Check) |
Police (Video Surveillance) |
Fire | Property Maintenance |
Treasury Apply Here |
Junk Yard Dealer | X | X | X | X | X | |
Pawnbroker | X | X | X | X | ||
Scrap Iron & Metal Processor | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Motor Vehicle Service | X | X | X | X | ||
Towing Service Yards | X | X | X | X | X | |
Scrap Tire Processor & Recycler | X | X | X | X | ||
Scrap Tire Storage | X | X | X | X | ||
Second Hand and Clothing | X | X | X | |||
Jewelry | X | X | X | X | ||
Tire Store | X | X | X | X | ||
Used Auto Dealer | X | X | X | X | ||
Used Auto Dealer & Parts | X | X | X | X | X | |
Wrecking & Dismantling Yard | X | X | X | X | X | |
Car Wash |
Required Documents
Refer to the table below for a breakdown of the required documents to include in your business license application. All documents must be submitted through eLAPS.
Business License Type | Articles of Incorporation |
Bond / Insurance |
Building Permit 1 |
Current Identification |
Proof of Ownership or Lease Contract / Property Deed |
Junk Yard Dealer | X | X | X | X | X |
Pawnbroker | X | X | X | X | X |
Scrap Iron & Metal Processor | X | X | X | X | |
Second Hand and Clothing | X | X | X | X | |
Jewelry Store | X | X | X | X | X |
Tire Store | X | X | X | X | |
Used Auto Dealer | X | X | X | X | |
Used Auto Dealer & Parts | X | X | X | X | X |
Wrecking & Dismantling Yard | X | X | X | X | X |
Car Wash |
1 Only required for newly established or change of use.
Associated Fees
Business License applications are subject to multiple fees dependent on scope. Fee types and prices are subject to change. Charged annually.
Junk Yard Dealer
- Junk Yard Location: $432.00/year
Pawnbroker
- Pawnbroker: $984.00/year
Scrap Iron & Metal Processor
- Scrap Iron & Metal: $992.00/year
Second Hand and Clothing
- Secondhand Store Fee: $123.00/year
- Secondhand Appliances and Batteries: $123.00/year
- Secondhand Building Supplies: $123.00/year
Jewelry Store
- Secondhand Jewelry Store Fee: $312.00/year
Tire Store
- Secondhand Tire: $123.00/year
Used Auto Dealer
- Used Auto Dealer: $268.00/year
Wrecking & Dismantling Yard
- UAD/Parts/Wreck/Dismantle: $1,035.00/year
- Wrecking and Dismantling Yard: $518.00/year
Car Wash
- Car Wash: $268.00/year
Clearance Instructions
Bond / Insurance
- Submit application online at bit.ly/codbondapplication
- Contact BSEED Licensing & Permits with questions
Environmental Health (Detroit Health Department)
- Call 313-876-4715 or visit www.detroitmi.gov/environmentalsafety to confirm the steps and fees for your business. Some business license types will also require a state of Michigan License. You may pay your fees to the health department at https://cod.divdatkiosknetwork.com/EnvironmentalHealth
Fire
- Step 1: Call to confirm and pay fee.
- Phone: 313-596-2963
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Note: You can mail your payment or pay via phone with credit card for an additional 3% charge.
- Step 2: Call to schedule inspection.
- Phone: 313-596-2954
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- In Person (note phone is preferred): 1301 Third St. Detroit MI 48226
Food Safety (Detroit Health Department)
- You do not need to schedule this inspection. The Health Department will visit your location according to their schedule. If you have any questions, you may call Food Safety: 313-876-0135
Police
- Check with BSEED Licensing & Permits about whether you require a Police Department clearance and, if so, whether you need to visit the Police Department or whether they will conduct an unannounced inspection. Some business types that require Police Department clearance include:
- Gas stations
- Pedicabs
- Valet drivers
- Parking lot attendants
- Junk collectors
- Auto Uses
Property Maintenance
- Call to confirm Certificate of Compliance expiration and schedule inspection if needed. You will be mailed an invoice after the inspection takes place. You will not receive your C of C until all fees owed to BSEED have been paid.
- Phone: (313) 628-2451
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- In Person: Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
- CAYMC, 2 Woodward, Suite 412
Treasury
- Step 1: Get your Personal Property Tax ID. You must have this in order to apply for a clearance.
- Phone: (313) 224-3025
- Email: [email protected]
- Step 2: Use this link to access the clearance application: http://bit.ly/detroitclearances
- The application includes 2 components:
- Component 1: Complete application Information
- Component 2: Securely submit personal information -social security and/or employer identification number (EIN) - to the City of Detroit through DocuSign
- Both pages are required in order to complete your application. Failure to do so could result in a longer processing time. Please allow 7-10 business days for an update on your clearance.
- Please direct any questions related to completing the application to the following email address: [email protected]
- In Person: Treasury, Clearance Unit, CAYMC, 2 Woodward Avenue
- The application includes 2 components: