Service overview
You need a Pawn Shop License to operate a pawn shop.
Pawn shops:
- Lend money in exchange for a customer’s personal property.
- Buy personal property with the understanding that they’ll sell it back to the customer at a later time for a specific price.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this license.
Who
Business owners and their agents can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses, registrations, and permits
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID (BIRT)
- Commercial Activity License
- Zoning and Use Registration Permit
Ownership information
Your license will be issued to the legal entity listed on the Commercial Activity License and your Philadelphia Tax Account. Any trade name or “Doing Business As” (DBA) must also be listed on your Commercial Activity License.
Where and when
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Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $20 is applied toward the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
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How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
After you get your license
When you accept personal property from a customer, you must:
- Get identification, such as a state-issued photo ID.
- Take a digital photograph of them.
- Get an imprint of their left thumbprint.
- Give them a pawn ticket.
You can’t do business on a Sunday, before 8:30 a.m. or after 5 p.m. You can accept pledges or return property until 9 p.m. on Friday and until 6 p.m. on Saturday.
You must register with the Philadelphia Police Department’s online inventory tracking system. All precious metal dealers must enter daily transaction information into the database, which is accessible to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Renewal requirements
Annual renewal:
- Renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center
Required for renewal:
- Must be current on all City taxes
- Valid email address