Columbia, SC Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Columbia Code Chapter 11, Article VI regulates pawnbrokers. Division 2's section 11-181 makes it unlawful to do business as a pawnbroker in the city without first obtaining a license. Division 1's section 11-161 requires every pawnbroker to keep a book plainly recording, at the time of each pledge, the pledger's name and a full description of the article, including any maker's mark, number, brand, monogram or letters on it. Section 11-162 requires a daily morning report to the chief of police listing every article taken in pawn or bought.

Section 11-164 goes further than the junk-dealer rules: pawnbrokers must fingerprint the right-hand index finger (or the next available finger, noted on the form) of every person pawning an article, using forms furnished by the bureau of police services, on every transaction regardless of prior visits. That fingerprint requirement is waived only if the pawnbroker personally knows the customer or can identify them within 90 days of the transaction. Section 11-163 puts all of these records permanently open to inspection by the chief of police or another duly authorized person.

Section 11-182 requires a licensed pawnbroker to post a sign at the shop's principal entrance identifying it as licensed and bearing the owner's name. C. Code 1976 § 40-39-10 et seq.