How to check a gold buyer in Maryland
We can't search Maryland's records automatically yet, so each step below links to the official office you can check yourself.
The 6 checks for Maryland
Check the dealer licence
Gold buyers and pawnbrokers need a state licence. Search the official register by business name or ZIP.
- Ask the shop for its licence number. A legitimate dealer can tell you on the spot.
Check the business is registered
The state business registry shows whether the company legally exists, whether it is active, and when it was formed.
Look for complaints
Check whether people have complained about the business, and how it responded.
Check membership claims at the source
If a shop says it belongs to a dealer association, look it up in that association’s own directory, not on the shop’s wall or website.
At the counter
A few questions protect you more than anything online.
- Look for a current inspection sticker on the scale, and ask them to weigh your item in front of you.
- Ask how they test the metal, and whether there is a fee if you don’t sell.
- Get the offer in writing before you hand anything over.
- Maryland Department of Agriculture: (410) 841-5790
Read what other sellers say
Reports from real sellers show what this shop actually offered, and any fees. Verified reports were backed by a receipt.
Official links from USA.gov,NIST and the state agencies, checked October 2, 2026.