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Annapolis, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Bond required
$3,000 surety bond
Background check
Chief of Police investigation + interview
Automatic denial
Convicted of burglary or robbery
Mayor's power
May revoke for good cause anytime
Appeal window
15 days to Boards of Appeals

Summary

Pawnbrokers must file a sworn application with the City Clerk, pass a Chief of Police background investigation, and post a $3,000 bond before Annapolis will issue a license.

Applicants for a pawnbroker's license shall file with the City Clerk a signed application, under oath, setting forth the following information: A. The name, local and permanent addresses and local telephone number of the person proposing to conduct the place of business...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Applicants file a sworn application with the City Clerk listing name, address, a photo, physical description, and any prior convictions. The Chief of Police investigates and personally interviews every applicant before recommending approval; the City Clerk then issues the license on payment of a Council-set fee. A license is automatically denied to anyone convicted of receiving stolen goods, burglary, or robbery, and other convictions can also trigger denial. Licensees must post a $3,000 bond and report daily to police every item pledged or purchased.

Violations & Fines

The Mayor may revoke or suspend a license for cause after notice and a hearing; the Chief of Police may also revoke or suspend for chapter violations, criminal convictions, or repeated zoning violations under Title 21, after its own hearing with right to counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues a pawnbroker license in Annapolis?
The City Clerk issues it, but only after the Chief of Police investigates the applicant and personally interviews them, per Annapolis City Code § 7.36.030.
Can Annapolis revoke a pawnbroker's license?
Yes. The Mayor may revoke it for good cause at any time, and every license is also subject to review at each yearly renewal.
How long must a pawnbroker hold pledged items before selling them?
At least 30 days from the date the transaction was reported to the Police Department, unless the original pawner redeems it sooner.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

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All Annapolis rules

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