What to Bring When You Sell Gold in Ontario (ID, Paperwork and What to Expect)

Selling gold in Ontario involves a short, regulated transaction. Knowing what to bring means one trip instead of two, and knowing what happens means no surprises at the counter.

Bring valid government-issued photo ID

This is the one non-negotiable item. Ontario's second-hand dealer framework requires buyers to record seller identification for each purchase. Acceptable forms include:

• Ontario driver's licence
• Ontario photo card
• Canadian or foreign passport
• Permanent resident card

The ID must be current and must be yours. A buyer cannot complete a purchase from someone who will not identify themselves, and a shop that offers to skip this step is not one to deal with.

Bring your gold — all of it

Broken pieces, single earrings, tangled chains, bent bangles, dental gold, coins, small bars. Condition does not reduce metal weight. If you are unsure whether something counts, bring it and find out at no cost.

Bring paperwork if you happen to have it

None of this is required, but it helps in specific cases:

• Certificates or appraisals for pieces with significant gemstones
• Original boxes and papers for signed or designer items
• Purchase receipts for recently bought high-karat pieces

You do not need receipts to sell. The overwhelming majority of gold sold has no paperwork at all, especially inherited jewellery.

What you can leave at home

• Photographs of your items — nothing can be quoted from a photo
• Online price estimates — they cannot account for your actual karat and weight
• Anything gold-plated or costume, unless you want it checked for free

What happens during the visit

1. You unpack your items on the counter and mention anything you think may be special
2. Each piece is inspected under a loupe for stamps and maker's marks
3. Pieces are acid tested to confirm karat, with the test done in front of you
4. Items are sorted into karat groups and each group is weighed on a visible scale
5. You are given a figure, with any deductions explained
6. If you accept, ID is recorded and you are paid in cash the same visit

Most visits take ten to twenty minutes. A large mixed lot takes longer because each karat group is handled separately.

About prices

We do not publish live rates and we cannot quote over the phone, because purity and weight are physical facts that have to be measured. That is not a sales technique — it is the only honest way to price metal. The evaluation itself is always free and you are never obliged to sell.

Visiting AGN

We are at 1646 Victoria Park Avenue, North York, Ontario M1R 1P7, open Monday to Friday 12pm to 7pm and Saturday 12pm to 5pm, closed Sunday. Free parking is at the door and the 24 Victoria Park bus stops nearby. No appointment is needed. Call (416) 551-6400 with any question before you come.