Pittsburgh, PA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, from the License Officer
- Police reporting
- Daily, by noon
- Business hours ban
- Sundays; 9 p.m.-7 a.m. other days
- License term
- 365 days from issuance
- Minimum pledgor age
- 18
Summary
Pittsburgh requires anyone lending on pledged goods to hold a pawnbroker license, keep a daily transaction log, and report to police every business day.
No person shall use, exercise or carry on the trade or business of pawnbroker within the City without first obtaining a license from the License Officer.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 713.01 bars carrying on the pawnbroker trade without a License Officer license. Pawnbrokers must log every article purchased or pledged, report daily to the Superintendent of Police by noon (§ 713.04), give pledgors a signed memo of loan terms (§ 713.05), and cannot open on Sundays or between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (§ 713.06). Pledges from anyone under 18, an intoxicated person, or a known thief are prohibited (§ 713.07). The license fee is set annually by the City's fee schedule under Chapter 170 and runs 365 days from issuance (§ 713.09).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, missing the daily police report, or taking a pledge from a minor or known thief triggers license revocation or suspension under § 701.14, plus automatic revocation on conviction for robbery, burglary, larceny, or receiving stolen goods (§ 713.08).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pittsburgh require a special license to run a pawnshop?
Can a Pittsburgh pawnbroker take in items from a minor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.