Pima County, AZ Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Report deadline
- 24 hours after receiving item
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor
- Enforcing agency
- Pima County Sheriff's Department
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Pima County only
Summary
Pawnbrokers operating in unincorporated Pima County, outside Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita and South Tucson, must deliver a full report of every item taken in pawn or pledge to the sheriff within 24 hours of receiving it.
It is unlawful for any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, junk dealer, junk collector or any employee or agent of any such pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, junk dealer or junk collector within the county to fail, neglect or refuse to make out and deliver to the sheriff within twenty-four hours after the receipt thereof, a full, true and complete report of all goods, wares, merchandise or other articles received on deposit, in pawn or pledge, or by purchase or otherwise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-64: Contains Supplement, with local legislation through Ordinance 2026-9, passed 7-28-2026, current through 7-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Pima County Code § 5.08.020 makes it unlawful for any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, junk dealer, junk collector, or their employee or agent operating in the unincorporated county to fail to deliver a full report to the sheriff within 24 hours after receiving goods on deposit, pledge, or purchase. Section 5.08.030 requires the report to include the seller's identity, physical description, and item details. Violating the reporting duty is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 5.08.100. This chapter covers only unincorporated Pima County; pawnbrokers inside Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, or South Tucson answer to those cities' own codes.
Violations & Fines
Failing to deliver the required report to the sheriff within 24 hours, or refusing to make the report as prescribed, is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 5.08.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pima County issue a county pawnbroker license?
Does this reporting rule apply to a Tucson pawnshop?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona business licensing & operations overview
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