Jackson, NJ Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Chapter 338, rewritten December 12, 2023 by Ordinance No. 35-23, implements the New Jersey Pawnbroking Law, N.J.S.A. 45:22-1 et seq., locally. Under § 338-1.A(2), no one may buy or trade scrap gold, jewelry, electronics, musical instruments, tools, gift cards or other secondhand goods within the Township without a license from the Jackson Township Police; a licensed pawnbroker also needs a license from the state Commissioner of Banking and Insurance under § 338-2. Garage sales, sales by nonprofits active for at least a year, state-licensed auto dealers and parts recyclers, and antique dealers who derive 75% of gross sales from antiques are exempt under § 338-2.A.

Applicants file in writing with the Township Clerk, disclosing residence, date of birth, driver's license and Social Security or tax ID numbers, any criminal convictions, and any prior license revocation, and pawnbrokers must submit fingerprints and consent to a criminal history check under § 338-2.B. The license fee is $200 plus a $100 per-fiscal-year filing fee paid to the Clerk before application, with a $10 annual renewal due by January 31 and approval by the Township Council, under § 338-2.C(1). The Township Clerk must deny a license to an applicant under 18, at a location not in a permanent structure, or to anyone convicted of theft, burglary or receiving stolen property within the past 10 years, per § 338-2.D. Licensees must also secure Chief of Police-approved database software to log reportable transactions.