Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Denver

Denver, CO Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

License required
Denver Excise and Licenses permit
Bond
$5,000 surety bond required
Business hours
Closed Sundays, holidays; limited weekday hours
Customer age
Must be 18 or older
Goods hold period
10 days after contract matures

Summary

Denver requires pawnbrokers to hold a director of excise and licenses permit, post a $5,000 bond, and keep detailed transaction records for the Denver Police Department.

It shall be unlawful for any person to be a pawnbroker except as provided in and authorized by this article and without first having obtained a license from the director of excise and licenses.

Source: Denver Revised Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).

Full Breakdown

Denver Revised Municipal Code § 45-51 makes it unlawful to operate as a pawnbroker without a license from the director of excise and licenses. Section 45-53 requires a $5,000 bond guaranteeing safekeeping and return of pledged goods. Pawnbrokers must record each transaction with the customer's name, address, fingerprint, and ID number, hold contracted goods for at least ten days after maturity, and report weekly to the Denver Police Department. Section 45-23 bars operating before 8 a.m., after 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Saturday), on Sundays, or on major holidays.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a license or violating any provision of this article is unlawful and punishable under the Code's general penalty (§ 1-13), up to a $999 fine, 300 days in jail, or both, and can trigger separate suspension or revocation of the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to run a pawnshop in Denver?
Yes. Denver Revised Municipal Code § 45-51 makes it unlawful to act as a pawnbroker without a license issued by the director of excise and licenses.
What hours can a Denver pawnshop operate?
Pawnbrokers must close by 6 p.m. weekdays (7 p.m. Saturday), open no earlier than 8 a.m., and stay closed Sundays and major holidays under § 45-23.
How big a bond does a Denver pawnbroker need?
A $5,000 surety bond approved by the director of excise and licenses, covering faithful observance of the article and safekeeping of pledged goods, per § 45-53.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Denver

Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSome RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsTattoo & Body ModificationSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Denver rules

Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Pawnbrokers in Denver, CO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.