Evanston, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License cap
- 2 citywide
- Annual fee
- $125
- Bond required
- $2,000
- Minimum pledge age
- 18 years
- Administrator
- Chief of Police
Summary
Evanston caps pawnbroker licenses at two citywide, requires a $125 annual fee, a $2,000 surety bond, and Chief of Police oversight of applications, daily transaction records, and minors are barred from pawning goods.
No person shall have or keep for profit within the City, any pawnbroker's establishment, without first obtaining a license therefor as hereinafter provided.
Each such license shall terminate one (1) year from the date of issuance. Any licensee may request renewal of his/her license at the expiration thereof, provided he/she is then qualified to receive a license and the premises for which such renewal license is sought is suitable for such purpose; provided further, that the renewal privilege herein provided for, shall not be construed as a vested right which shall, in any case, prevent the City Council from decreasing the number of licenses to be issued within its jurisdiction.
No more than two (2) such license shall be in force at any one (1) time.
(Ord. No. 23-0-11, § 3, 3-14-2011; Ord. No. 8-O-12, (50-O-11(exh. A, § 3-10-3)), 1-23-2012)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Any pawnbroker's establishment operating within Evanston must hold a City license administered by the Chief of Police, who investigates applicants, sets hearings, and can suspend or revoke licenses for cause. Section 3-10-3 caps the city at no more than two licenses in force at any time, each valid for one year and non-transferable. Applicants pay a $125 fee and post a $2,000 bond guaranteeing compliance. Licensees must keep a daily ledger of every loan or purchase, report transactions to police before noon each day, and are barred from taking pledges from anyone under 18 or from intoxicated persons.
Violations & Fines
Violating the chapter or dealing with minors, intoxicated persons, or suspected thieves can bring license suspension or revocation and rejection of future applications at the Chief of Police's discretion under § 3-10-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pawnbroker licenses can be active in Evanston?
Can a pawnbroker take property from a minor in Evanston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
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