Meridian, ID Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Meridian requires a pawnbroker license from the City Clerk, subject to City Council approval and Chief of Police sign-off, before anyone loans money against pledged property or buys secondhand goods for resale under a 'regulated transaction' (Meridian City Code section 3-5-2). Applicants and employees must pass a criminal background check and submit fingerprints to Idaho State Police; a felony or theft-related conviction, or a revoked business license, within the past five years disqualifies an applicant or employee. Pledged property cannot become forfeitable for 30 days, and purchased items cannot be resold for 7 days (sections 3-5-6 and 3-5-7). Legal operating hours run 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (section 3-5-8), and detailed transaction records must be electronically transmitted to police by the next business day.