Columbus, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Sec. 15-1 applies the chapter to all pawnbrokers in Columbus, Georgia, and Sec. 15-2 defines a pawnbroker as anyone lending on pledged goods or buying tangible personal property with a right of redemption or repurchase, from sources other than manufacturers or licensed dealers. Sec. 00 annual regulatory fee, paid in addition to occupation tax. Sec. 15-5 bars issuing or renewing a license to any business whose owner, manager, or employee was convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony or theft-related misdemeanor within the preceding five years, and requires licensees to keep the Columbus Police Department and revenue collection division continuously updated on the identity of owners, managers, and employees for that screening.

Sec. 15-6 requires an identifiable street address on file with the police department, with advance notice before any address change. Sec. 15-7 requires positively identifying every pawner or seller by driver's license, military ID, alcohol beverage card, or Social Security number, recording a full description of the item pledged or purchased on a police-prescribed form, posting that form on the premises for seven days for inspection by police and the public, and taking the pawner's signed sworn statement with a right thumbprint in police-approved ink.

Sec. and listing each item's transaction number, description, and the seller's name, address, race, sex, height, weight, date of birth, and Social Security or driver's license number. Sec. 15-9 makes it unlawful to pawn, trade, or buy from anyone 17 years old or younger.