Fort Collins, CO Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

City Code § 15-262 makes it unlawful to engage in pawnbroking in the City without first obtaining a license from the Financial Officer, and it must be kept current at all times or the operator violates the section. Section 15-263 sets the annual license fee at $300, payable with the application to the Finance Officer; the fee is nonrefundable unless the application is denied, and all licenses expire December 31 each year, with renewal applications due no later than 45 days before expiration. Section 15-264 requires a surety bond of $2,500 conditioned on the pawnbroker's compliance with the Article, including payment of surcharges and fees.

Under § 15-265, no license issues until the Chief of Police investigates the applicant, who pays a nonrefundable fingerprint and investigation fee capped at what the Colorado Bureau of Investigation charges and must supply a birth certificate or similar ID. Any manager employed by a licensee must separately hold a manager's certificate from the Chief of Police, valid up to three years, which expires automatically after a change of employment (unless renewed within ten days) or after 90 days out of the pawn industry in the City.

Convicted felons, anyone under 18, and applicants who lied on the application are barred from holding a license or certificate under § 15-265(c). The Financial Officer must act on a complete application within 45 days.