Pawnbroker

Pawnbroker License Application Checklist

Who Must Have a Pawnbroker License?

As defined in New York State General Business Law (GBL) §52, a “collateral loan broker” (also known as a “pawnbroker”) is a person, partnership, or corporation that loans money on deposit or pledge of personal property or buys personal property and sells it back at a set price.

This description is only a general explanation of which businesses need to have a Pawnbroker license.

License Requirements

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The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information:

Basic License Application

Download Basic License Application

Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

Sales Tax Identification Number OR Application Confirmation Number

To apply for a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax, visit www.businessexpress.ny.gov.

Copy of your $10,000 Surety Bond, properly signed

The copy of the bond must name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder. Your corporate name, Doing-Business-As (DBA) name (if any), and premises address must be exactly the same on all documents. The bond must cover the licensing period.

Download a list of bonding companies. Note: The list on the DCWP website is not exhaustive, and DCWP does not endorse or recommend any particular bonding company.

Fingerprints and Processing Fee

All sole proprietors, general partners, corporate officers, principals, directors, members, and all shareholders owning more than 10% of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:

Visit uenroll.identogo.com
Enter:
- Service Code. Enter 1585GF
- Agency ID. Enter numbers only from Application Number. Application Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online. Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter only 12345672023 as Agency ID.
Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s).

IMPORTANT: Anyone required to be fingerprinted should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to complete this requirement.

Granting Authority to Act Affirmation

Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.

License Fee

License Period: 1 year

Expiration Date: April 30

If You File Your Application Between These Dates:

From May 1 to October 30:
- Pay $500 for a license expiring April 30 of the following year.
From November 1 to December 31:
- Option 1: Pay $250 for a license expiring April 30 of the following year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
- Option 2: Pay $750 for a license expiring April 30 of the year following the next year. (Valid for at most 18 months.)
From January 1 to April 30:
- Option 1: Pay $250 for a license expiring April 30 of the same year. (Valid for at most 4 months.)
- Option 2: Pay $750 for a license expiring April 30 of the year following the next year. (Valid for at most 16 months.)

Pay by:

Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only) (Online or in person)
You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee.
eCheck (Online)
Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)

Additional City or State Permits/Licenses/Clearances You May Need

If you will buy or sell secondhand articles, you must obtain a DCWP Secondhand Dealer General license.
Once you obtain your Pawnbroker license, you must file a registration statement with the New York State Comptroller. Registration statements are available at www.osc.state.ny.us.

This is not meant to be a complete list. See Additional Resources below.

Submit Your License Application to DCWP

You can submit your license application online or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center.

ONLINE OPTION: After reviewing requirements above, click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

IN-PERSON OPTION: Licensing appointments are available in hardship cases that require an in-person visit. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit.

Questions? We’re here to help!

Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

Phone: (212) 487-4060. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.

Additional Resources for Pawnbrokers

For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.
Download Inspection Checklist: Pawnbrokers
For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.