Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing exclusively with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Harris County pawnbrokers must hold an OCCC license, post maximum interest and fee charts, hold pledges for at least 60 days, and report transactions to law enforcement databases like LeadsOnline.
Texas Finance Code Sections 371.051 through 371.260 license and regulate pawnbrokers. Each Harris County storefront needs its own OCCC license with $5,000 surety bond, owners must pass background checks, and statewide rate caps tier monthly fees by loan amount. Pawnbrokers must hold pledged property for the loan term plus 30-day grace, total at least 60 days, before sale. Daily transaction reports flow to Harris County Sheriff and Houston Police via LeadsOnline. Harris County imposes no separate pawnbroker permit but Sheriff property crime detectives inspect records, and the County Attorney can pursue civil injunctions against unlicensed operators. Houston city zoning further restricts pawnshop locations within city limits.
Operating without an OCCC license is a third-degree felony under Section 371.180, exposing operators to two to ten years prison and $10,000 fines, plus OCCC civil penalties up to $1,000 per day and immediate cease-and-desist orders.
La Porte, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how La Porte's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.
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