Bexar County, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- TX Finance Code 371
- State licensing agency
- OCCC
- Holding period
- 30 days minimum
- Reporting
- Daily to Sheriff
- Minors
- May not pawn
Summary
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing under the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Bexar County pawnbrokers must report transactions to the Sheriff, hold pledged property for set holding periods, and follow strict interest and recordkeeping rules.
CHAPTER 371. PAWNSHOPS. Sec. 371.001. SHORT TITLE. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the 'Texas Pawnshop Act.' Sec. 371.002. PURPOSES. The purposes of this chapter are to: (1) prevent fraud, unfair practices, discrimination, imposition, and abuse of state residents; (2) exercise the state's police power to assure a sound system of making pawn loans and acquiring goods by purchase, pledge, or trade by pawnshops; and (3) prevent transactions in stolen goods by licensing and regulating pawnbrokers, pawnshop employees, and pawnshops.
Full Breakdown
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 governs pawnshops statewide, with primary licensing through the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Pawnbrokers operating in Bexar County must obtain a state license, post bond, and submit daily transaction reports to local law enforcement, typically through the Sheriff's regional pawn data system. State law caps pawn service charges, requires holding pledged goods for at least 30 days before forfeiture, and bars accepting pledges from minors. Records must include detailed item descriptions, seller identification, and thumbprint where required. Failure to comply can trigger license suspension and criminal charges. Anti-fencing rules under Penal Code Chapter 31 also apply.
Violations & Fines
Failure to report transactions, accepting stolen goods, charging excess service fees, or operating without an OCCC license can result in license revocation, civil penalties, and theft-by-receiving charges under Texas Penal Code Chapter 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pawnshop sell unredeemed goods immediately?
Are pawn transactions reported to police?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
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