Any person engaging in the business of purchasing precious metals in North Carolina is required to obtain a precious metal permit. Precious metal dealers should review and follow North Carolina General Statutes for precious metal regulations.
The precious metals business law does not apply to pawn shops governed by N.C. G.S. 66-385 through 66-399.
Compliance with the precious metals law is the responsibility of the business owner. Each business is advised to consult with its attorney to ensure that they are meeting the requirements of the statute. The information provided here is only intended as a guide.
Individual permits are required for each location where business is conducted. There is a 30-day waiting period before initial permits are issued. Permits are valid 12 months after the issuance date and may be renewed without a waiting period once the dealer has applied for renewal and paid an annual fee.
Permit Application
To apply for an initial precious metal permit, a completed Initial Precious Metal Permit Checklist is required. The checklist is a guide to the required documentation for application packets.
Documentation for application packets may include (and vary based on the type and number of supplemental permits):
- Required forms for an initial dealer permit:
- Additional supplementary forms, where applicable, may include:
- A recent photograph of the applicant(s).
- Criminal Record Check Consent Form(s)
- Fingerprint cards for the applicant(s). More information on fingerprinting.
- Records of any felony convictions and any other convictions during the preceding five years for each applicant (if applicable). Records of convictions in Buncombe County may be acquired through the Buncombe County Clerk of Court.
- A check for applicable application fees made payable to the City of Asheville. Application fees are not refundable.
- $180.00 for each business permit application
- $48.00 for each employee permit application
- $38.00 for each co-owner/stockholder permit application
Notice: Fees for application packets submitted simultaneously may be combined into one check. For example, one initial permit application with two employee packets can be submitted with a check for $276.00.
Upon completion of all requirements of the permit process, the completed packet can be delivered to the Asheville Police Department front desk from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday
or via mail to:
Asheville Police Department
Attention: Precious Metal Records
PO Box 7148
Asheville NC 28802
Special Occasion Permits
Precious Metal Dealers wishing to apply for a special occasion permit must follow the same procedures and submit all documentation required for an initial dealer’s permit. Please indicate that the application is for a special occasion in the appropriate area on the Initial Precious Metal Permit Checklists form. A copy of all previously issued Precious Metal Dealer Permit(s) will be required.
The filing fee for a special occasion permit application is $180.00 and may be renewed annually.
Permit Renewal
To apply for a precious metal permit renewal, a completed Precious Metal Annual Renewal Checklist is required. The checklist is a guide to the required documentation for renewal application packets. Renewal applications for Precious Metal Dealer permits must be filed within 30-days of expiration.
- Renewals don’t require a 30-day waiting period
- Fingerprints, photographs, criminal record checks, and record check consent forms are not required for renewal
Documentation for renewal application packets may include (and vary based on the type and number of supplemental permits):
- Required forms for a renewal:
- Completion of additional supplementary forms, where applicable, which may include:
- A check for applicable renewal fees. Fees are not refundable.
- $180.00 for each business permit
- $3.00 for each employee renewal
Upon completion of the renewal packet, the packet can be delivered to the Asheville Police Department front desk Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or via mail to:
Asheville Police Department
Attention: Precious Metal Records
PO Box 7148
Asheville NC 28802
Record Purchase Requirements
Records of precious metal purchases must be submitted to the Asheville Police Department within 48 hours of the purchase by mail to the Asheville Police Department or via Leads Online. Leads Online works in real-time, helping you easily manage purchases within the time requirement. This service is FREE to the business.
All purchases must be maintained for a period of seven days in the original condition on the licensed premises or other locations specified in the permit application.
For more information regarding the precious metal process in Asheville, contact 828-259-5891.
Resources
- North Carolina General Statutes for precious metal regulations
- Initial Precious Metal Permit Checklist
- Application for Precious Metals Dealer Permit
- Precious Metals Dealer Bond Form
- Supplementary Information Sheet for Co-owner of Precious Metals Business
- Precious Metals Business Employee Registration Form
- Leads Online
Contact Information
Haley Oldenbergh
Asheville Police Department
828-259-5747