Columbia, MO Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- required before operating
- Fee
- none beyond business license
- Minors
- no purchases from under-18s
- Hours
- no accepts 8pm–7am
- Applies
- Columbia, Boone County, MO
Summary
Columbia, Missouri requires anyone loaning money against personal property, or buying it with an option to resell, to obtain a city pawnbroker license before doing business under Boone County jurisdiction.
No person shall do business as a pawnbroker without having first obtained a license therefor. Application for such license shall conform to the provisions of this article and be in such form as the business license administrator shall dictate, and include an affidavit in which the applicant shall subscribe and make oath that he will faithfully carry out the provisions of this chapter. Each location shall require a separate license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 138).
Full Breakdown
Columbia's pawnbroker article, Chapter 13 Division 2, requires a license before doing business as a pawnbroker in the city, granted only after a sworn application and affidavit to the business license administrator; each location needs its own license, though it is supplemental to the general business license at no extra fee. Sec. 13-76 defines a pawnbroker broadly to include anyone who loans money on deposited personal property, buys property with an option to sell it back, or displays the classic three gilt-ball pawnbroker sign. Licensed pawnbrokers must keep an inspectable loan register, refuse goods from anyone under 18 or between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and record serial numbers on serialized items before accepting them.
Violations & Fines
Violating the pawnbroker article is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 under Sec. 13-82; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and license revocation is an additional, separate remedy the city may pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate license to pawn used electronics in Columbia?
What records must a Columbia pawnbroker keep?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbia
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