New Bedford, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Section 15-33 gives the city council authority to license pawnbrokers and to revoke a pawnbroker's license at pleasure. Before a license takes effect, the licensee must file a $5,000 bond with the city clerk, secured by two approved personal sureties or a Massachusetts-authorized surety company, guaranteeing faithful performance of the pawnbroker's duties. Section 15-34 layers on detailed recordkeeping: every pawn transaction must record the seller's name, address, and date of birth, the item's estimated value and price paid, a full description with distinguishing marks, and the transaction's date and time.

The pawnbroker cannot accept an item without a photo ID, must photograph both the seller and the item, and must electronically transmit copies of the seller's license and plate to the police department weekly; failing to comply carries a $300 fine per transaction, and knowingly recording false information bars the dealer from operating in the city for one year. Section 15-35 requires a daily return to the chief of police on approved forms covering every loan, purchase, sale, or exchange. Section 15-36 obligates the pawnbroker to immediately notify police headquarters of any circumstances suggesting an item offered is stolen, and section 15-37 bars knowingly pawning, buying, or lending money to a minor.

Section 15-50 sets the penalty for violating sections 15-31 through 15-49 at a fine not exceeding $50 per offense plus automatic license revocation by the mayor and council upon notice of conviction, and section 15-51 bars a revoked licensee from obtaining a new pawnbroker license for five years.