Fort Worth, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- State licensing
- OCCC under TX Finance Ch. 371
- Local registration
- FWPD Pawn Unit
- Redemption period
- 30 days + 60-day grace
- Finance charge
- Capped on tiered schedule
- Transaction reporting
- LeadsOnline daily
Summary
Pawnshops in Fort Worth are licensed by the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371, which caps pawn finance charges, sets redemption periods, requires daily transaction reporting to police, and mandates holding periods that aid theft recovery.
Sec. 371.051. PAWNSHOP LICENSE REQUIRED. A person may not engage in business as a pawnbroker unless the person holds a pawnshop license. Sec. 371.052. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To be eligible for a pawnshop license, an applicant must: (1) meet the net assets requirement of Section 371.072; and (2) show that: (A) the pawnshop will be operated lawfully and fairly under this chapter; and (B) the applicant or the applicant's owners and managers have the financial responsibility, experience, character, and general fitness to command the confidence of the public in the pawnshop's operations.
Full Breakdown
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 requires every pawnshop to hold an OCCC license, post fees, follow standardized pawn ticket disclosures, and cap monthly finance charges and storage fees on a tiered schedule based on loan amount. Pawn loans must offer at least a 30-day redemption period plus a 60-day grace period before forfeiture. Fort Worth Police Department registers pawn locations, runs daily LeadsOnline matches against stolen-property reports, and inspects records. Pawnbrokers must collect government ID, fingerprint pledgers in many cases, photograph items, and hold pledged property for at least 30 days plus the grace period before resale. OCCC enforcement covers consumer disputes; FWPD handles criminal aspects.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an OCCC license, exceeding statutory finance charges, failing to deliver a compliant pawn ticket, missing daily LeadsOnline uploads, or selling pledged items before the redemption period ends triggers OCCC penalties and FWPD action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to redeem a pawn loan in Fort Worth?
What happens if my pawned item turns out to be stolen?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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