Harford County, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Section 188-3A requires a pawnbroker license running January 1 to December 31 each year, issued by the Department at the fee set in Section 157-24, plus any administrative and reporting fees. Section 188-3B requires a state criminal history check at every application or renewal and bars anyone convicted of a felony or of theft, fraud, precious-metal or pawnbroker-law violations. Section 188-4 requires a complete English-language record of every transaction, positive identification of the customer with a driver's license or state ID, electronic reporting to the Sheriff by noon the next business day, a written copy filed within two business days, records kept three years, and video surveillance of all entrances and transactions archived 60 days.

Section 188-6A bars transferring or disposing of pawned or purchased property for 30 days after the transaction is reported, other than redemption by the original customer. Section 188-8 bans automated purchasing machines except for approved recycling collection and bars transacting in gift cards or items with serial numbers that appear intentionally altered.