Cleveland, OH Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses
- Annual fee
- $5.00, expires Sept. 30
- Bond required
- $500 with the Director of Law
- Interest cap
- 1%/month plus 0.5%/month storage
- Hold before sale
- 24 hours after daily report
- Operating hours
- 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (9 p.m. May-Sept.)
Summary
Cleveland requires every pawnbroker to hold an annual license from the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses, post a $500 bond, and follow strict recordkeeping, hours, and customer rules under Codified Ordinances Chapter 681.
No person, firm or corporation shall engage in or carry on the business of a pawnbroker in the City until he or she has first obtained a license to engage in and carry on such business. Every license applicant shall make an application in writing to the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses... The Commissioner shall cause notice of the filing of an application to be published in the City Record at least twice, after which the Commissioner may grant the application and issue a license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Current through legislation passed September 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
No person, firm or corporation may run a pawnbroking business in Cleveland without first obtaining a license from the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses under Chapter 681. 02 requires a written application naming everyone interested in the business, references from at least two City residents, and public notice in the City Record before the Commissioner may issue the license. 00 per year, are tied to a single named location, and cannot be transferred. 04 requires a $500 bond filed with the Director of Law guaranteeing compliance with City law.
05 requires a licensee to keep a register recording each pledged or purchased item, verified against a driver's license or Ohio ID, along with the depositor's name, age, address and Social Security number, retained for at least two years and open to inspection by the Commissioner, the Chief of Police, or the Mayor. 06 requires a daily report to the Division of Police before noon each weekday. 07 imposes a 24-hour minimum hold before any pledged item may be sold or removed. 5% per month for storage and insurance, with no other charges allowed except on foreclosure.
10 requires 12 months to elapse after maturity before a foreclosure sale, preceded by 10 days' mailed notice to the pledger and a published newspaper notice, with sale by public auction. m. m. 12 bars taking pledges from minors, intoxicated persons, or known thieves, and bars employing anyone under 16 to take pledges.
Violations & Fines
Under Section 681.99, a first offense is a third-degree misdemeanor fined at least $100; a second offense is a second-degree misdemeanor fined at least $100; a third and each later offense is a first-degree misdemeanor fined at least $100. Section 681.14 also directs the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses to revoke the license of any pawnbroker convicted of violating this chapter or any state pawnbroker statute.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cleveland pawnbroker license cost?
How long must a pawnbroker hold an item before selling it?
What interest can a Cleveland pawnbroker charge?
What happens if a pawnbroker violates the licensing chapter?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
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Pawnbrokers in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle pawnbrokers.