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GUIDE · SECONDHAND

Secondhand dealer license (kobutsusho)

古物商許可For reselling used goods, cars and electronics

Buying used goods to resell — clothes, electronics, cars, watches, even items bought online — needs a secondhand dealer license in Japan. Many export businesses need one too.

Updated October 26, 2026 · Checked against the official site by our editors

Issued by

Police

Prefectural public safety commission

Apply via

Police station

Of your main business office

Other prefectures

Notify

No new license since 2018

Online sales

Covered

Selling online still needs it

Who needs it

  • Buying used or once-sold goods to resell, rent out or exchange as a business
  • Selling used goods on consignment for others
  • Export businesses that buy used cars, machinery or electronics in Japan

Selling your own personal belongings, or only selling things you bought new for yourself, is generally not covered — check with the police if you are unsure.

How to apply

  1. 01

    Decide your main office 主たる営業所

    The place responsible for the business, including where you keep records and stock.

  2. 02

    Prepare documents 申請書類

    Application form, officers’ details, residence records and other documents the police ask for.

  3. 03

    Apply at the police station 警察署

    The station covering your main office forwards it to the prefectural public safety commission.

  4. 04

    Receive the license 許可

    Then keep transaction records and check sellers’ identity as the law requires.

Since the 2018 revision, the license comes from the commission of your main office’s prefecture; offices in other prefectures are added by notification instead of new licenses.

FAQ

Do I need a kobutsusho license to resell items in Japan?

Yes, if you buy used goods to resell as a business, including online. You apply through the police station that covers your main office.

Do I need a secondhand license to export used cars from Japan?

Usually yes, because buying used cars in Japan to sell is secondhand dealing. Check with the police for your exact business.

Do I need a new license for an office in another prefecture?

No. Since the 2018 revision, the license is issued by the commission of your main office’s prefecture, and other offices are added by notification.

Sources

This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.

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