Hammond, IN Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

20(A) makes it unlawful to engage in the business of a pawnbroker, or a cash-for-gold or other purchaser of scrap metal or jewelry, in the city without first obtaining a city license. Applicants apply in writing to the City Controller under subsection (B), listing the applicant's or partners' or corporate officers' names and residences and the exact business location; the license is tied to that address and the fee is $100 per year. Under subsection (C), a business that does not obtain its annual license within 30 days of January 1 must instead pay $300, and the license always expires December 31 regardless of issue date.

com, and refusal to participate is grounds for denial. 21 additionally requires every pawnbroker licensee to post a $500 bond to the city with sufficient sureties approved by the City Controller, conditioned on compliance with the code and other city ordinances governing pawnbrokers. 22 layers on recordkeeping duties: licensees must keep an accurate, itemized, English-language description (including any inscriptions or identifying marks) of every item pledged, deposited, or sold, along with a photograph of each item and a verified photo ID from every customer, all available to the Hammond Police Department on request.