Second Hand-Buy & Sell/Antique Dealers/Junk & Salvage Dealers or anyone who purchases items from the public for resale is required to be licensed by the City.

A current Criminal background check must be submitted with a notarized license application.  The license application (pdf) can be downloaded, or is available at the Lancaster Bureau of Police at 39 West Chestnut Street. The application for a background check is available online or can be picked up at the Pennsylvania State Police barracks on Lincoln Highway or Lancaster Bureau of Police, 39 W. Chestnut Street. Completed and notarized license applications along with completed background check must be submitted to the Bureau of Police with a license fee of $25. All licenses in this classification expire on March 31st of each year, regardless of when the license was issued.   

A Vendor/Peddler license is required by anyone soliciting door-to-door. This license does NOT allow street vending. A current criminal background check, along with a completed and notarized application must be submitted to the Bureau Police. The license fee is $25, and licenses are valid for six months from the date issued. Door-to-door vendor licenses are NOT renewable, but applicants can reapply after the expiration date.

A Transient Merchant license is required for any person selling from privately owned property, with the intent of not remaining over 100 consecutive days. A current criminal background check, a completed and notarized application, and a sketch of the property that indicates the location of the sales stand must be submitted to the Bureau of Police. The license fee is $25 per month or part thereof, and expires no more than 100 days from the date it is issued.