Get or renew a precious metal permit

Buying Precious Metals in Asheville

In North Carolina, anyone who buys precious metals (like gold or silver) as a business must have a permit. This law does not apply to pawn shops, which follow different rules.

Business owners are responsible for following all state laws. Since this information is only a general guide, you may want to talk to a lawyer to make sure your business meets all requirements.

Getting Your First Permit

You must have a separate permit for every business location. When you apply for your first permit, there is a 30-day waiting period before it is issued.

What you need to apply

• Use the Initial Precious Metal Permit Checklist to make sure you have everything. The checklist will help you determine exactly what is needed. Depending on the number and types of permits you are applying for, you may need these forms. (Copies of precious metal dealer permits documents are also available on the North Carolina Department of Public Safety website.)
  • Dealer Permit Application
  • Bond Form
  • Criminal Record Check Consent Form
  • Supplementary Information Sheet for Co-owners of Precious Metals Business
  • Employee Registration Form
• You must provide a recent photo, fingerprint cards, and a criminal record check for the last five years for each applicant. (Check with the Buncombe County Bureau of ID for fingerprints, and the Buncombe County Clerk of Court may be able to help with a local criminal record check.)
• You will need a check for any required fees. Checks should be made payable to the City of Asheville. Application fees are not refundable. If you are submitting multiple application packets at the same time, it’s okay to combine the fees into one check. The fees are:
  • $180.00 for each business location.
  • $48.00 for each employee
  • $38.00 for each co-owner or stockholder

Special Occasion Permits

If you want a permit for a special event, follow the same steps as a regular permit. Mark “Special Occasion” on your checklist form and include copies of any permits you already have. The fee is $180.00. These permits can be renewed every year.

How to Renew your Permit

Permits last for 12 months. You must apply for a renewal within 30 days of your current permit expiring.

• There is no 30-day waiting period for renewals.
• You do not need new fingerprints, photos, or background checks for a renewal.
• There is a $180.00 fee for the business and $3.00 fee for each employee.

You must submit a completed Precious Metal Annual Renewal Checklist with your renewal to make sure you have all of the required documents. Many of the forms are the same as for an initial permit.

How to Submit Your Application

You can bring your completed packet to the front desk of the Asheville Police Department (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or mail it to:

Asheville Police Department
Attn: Precious Metal Records
PO Box 7148
Asheville, NC 28802

Buying Rules and Record Keeping

You must report all items you buy to the Asheville Police Department within 48 hours. We recommend using LeadsOnline. It is a free service that instantly reports your purchases to us. You must keep all items you buy in their original condition at the locations listed on your permit for at least 7 days before selling or changing them.

Resources

• North Carolina General Statutes for precious metal regulations
• Leads Online​

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Haley Andrulewich
Asheville Police Department
handrulewich@ashevillenc.gov
(828) 259-5747