Aurora, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Separate pawnbroker license from city treasurer
- Bond
- $1,000 bond required at licensing
- Reporting
- Same-day electronic transaction reports to LeadsOnline
- Waiting period
- 48 hours before pledged items redeemed
- First violation fine
- $1,000 to $2,500
Summary
Aurora requires anyone operating as a pawnbroker within city limits to hold a city-issued license, backed by a $1,000 bond and a police background check, before receiving property in pledge for money advanced.
No person shall engage in, carry on or conduct the business of a pawnbroker or secondhand dealer, or operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle for the purpose of the commercial collecting or disposing of junk/scrap within the city, unless he is licensed to do so.
A pawnbroker's license, secondhand dealer's license, and scrap/junk collection vehicle license are separate from each other, and the license shall state which it is for. Persons may hold more than one (1) license under this section.
A pawnbroker's license shall entitle the licensee to engage in the purchase, sale, trade or barter of non-junk/scrap secondhand articles in addition to the business of receiving property in pledge or as security for money or other things, but shall not entitle the licensee to the use of a junk/scrap collection vehicle.
A secondhand dealer's license will entitle the licensee to the use of one (1) junk/scrap collection vehicle, but shall not entitle the licensee to engage in the business of a pawnbroker. Each additional motor vehicle used for such purpose shall require a separate license and fee in the amount specified annually by resolution or ordinance in the city.
No license for a junk/scrap collection vehicle shall be issued for less than the full annual license fee.
Violation of this section shall be a Class III misdemeanor, and shall also result in proceedings to revoke any other city-issued business license the person may hold.
Full Breakdown
The city treasurer issues pawnbroker licenses under Chapter 25, Article VI of the Aurora Code of Ordinances, separate from secondhand dealer licenses. Applicants and employees who handle transactions must pass a police background check, and every pawnbroker must post a $1,000 bond conditioned on complying with city ordinances. Pawnbrokers must record every transaction electronically through LeadsOnline the same business day, hold pledged articles for 48 hours before redemption, and keep non-scrap pledged goods on premises at least 30 days before resale. Violating the license, reporting, or waiting-period rules brings escalating fines and possible license suspension or revocation.
Violations & Fines
First violation: fine of $1,000 to $2,500. Second violation: $2,000 to $5,000 fine and/or a 3-30 day suspension. Third violation: suspension or revocation. Fourth violation: mandatory revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aurora require a separate license for pawnbrokers?
How long must a pawnbroker hold pledged items before selling them?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
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Pawnbrokers in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle pawnbrokers.