Pawnbrokers in Buffalo must hold a New York State pawnbroker license issued under General Business Law Article 5 plus a Buffalo city license, and their interest rates and redemption periods are capped by statute.
New York General Business Law §40 et seq. requires pawnbrokers to obtain a state license through the Department of Financial Services with bonding and police background checks. Buffalo additionally licenses the establishment locally. Maximum loan interest is capped by statute (currently 4% per month on loans up to $100, lower rates on larger loans). Pawned items must be held a statutory minimum redemption period before forfeiture and sale. All transactions report to BPD pawn database. Buffalo has roughly a dozen licensed pawnbrokers, concentrated on Broadway, Bailey Avenue, and Main Street commercial corridors.
Charging interest above statutory caps, selling pledged items before the redemption period, or operating without state and local licenses results in misdemeanor charges and license loss.
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