Pawnbrokers operating in Los Angeles need a state Pawnbroker license under California Financial Code §21000 et seq. plus a Los Angeles Police Commission permit under LAMC §21.12. Loans run a minimum 90-day term with a 60-day grace period, and every pledged item is reported daily through CAPSS or LeadsOnline.
California Financial Code §§21000-21209 requires DOJ background checks, $20,000 surety bonds, and posted fee schedules. LAMC §21.12 adds an LAPD Commission permit, an annual police inspection fee, and zoning approval. Maximum interest is set by Financial Code §21200: 2.5% per month for loans over $225, plus a flat setup, storage, and ticket-writing fee. Pledged property is held 90 days minimum, with a 60-day redemption grace before forfeiture. Daily electronic reporting via CAPSS or LeadsOnline is mandatory under Business and Professions Code §21628. LAPD detectives may inspect premises during business hours and place 90-day investigative holds on items linked to crime reports.
Charging excess interest, skipping the 60-day grace, lending without a state license, or failing to report a transaction are misdemeanors. Penalties include up to $1,000 fines, six months jail, license revocation, and DBO administrative actions.
Los Angeles, CA
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Los Angeles, CA
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See how Los Angeles's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.
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