Los Angeles County, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitted hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
- License required
- Yes: annual fee per Section 7.14.010
- Holding period before resale
- 14 days after reporting to sheriff
- Daily reporting
- Buy-form mailed to sheriff at close of each business day
- Seller ID requirement
- Positive ID + right index fingerprint required from each seller
Summary
Pawnbrokers in unincorporated LA County must obtain a county license and may only conduct business between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; pledges and purchases are prohibited outside those hours.
7.76.220 - License required. Every pawnbroker shall first procure a license and pay an annual license fee in the amount set forth in Section 7.14.010 of this title, under the appropriate heading. 7.76.230 - Hours of operation. A pawnbroker shall not, and an agent or employee of a pawnbroker shall not, accept any pledge, or loan any money on personal property, or purchase or receive any goods or merchandise, or any article or thing whatsoever, or in any manner whatsoever engage in or conduct the business of pawnbroker between 7:00 p.m. of any day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day.
Full Breakdown
Licensees must mail a completed buy-form to the sheriff at the close of each business day documenting all goods received. Sellers and pledgers must provide positive identification including a right index fingerprint. Purchased or pledged goods cannot be melted, destroyed, sold, or altered until 14 days after the sheriff has been notified of their receipt. Goods must be kept visible to the public during all business hours.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside permitted hours or other code violations may result in license suspension or revocation under Title 7, Chapter 7.08.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pawnbroker take items after 7 p.m.?
How soon can a pawnbroker resell pawned goods?
What ID must a pawnbroker collect from sellers?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
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