Columbia Payments of dealer by check ordinance (§ 13-117)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article V. Precious Metals Dealers
In short: Dealers who pay cash to a seller or pledger must record the ID number of a valid photo ID, or photograph the person with the items, and keep that record. Dealers may buy precious metal by check if the check is recorded. Violating the cash rule is a Class A misdemeanor.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) It shall be unlawful for a dealer to make a payment in cash money to any seller or pledger unless the dealer shall record the number of a valid form of identification with a photograph of the identified individual or shall photograph the same along with the object or objects tendered for sale, trade or pledge, and preserve same as a record of the transaction.
(b) A dealer may purchase or pledge, by check, precious metal, provided that a record of such check be maintained as herein provided for by section 13-118.
(c) Violation of paragraph (a) of this section shall be a Class A misdemeanor and punishable under the penalties provided in section 16-66 of this Code.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-117
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.