San Antonio, TX Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX Finance Code Ch. 371
- Licensing agency
- Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner
- Surety bond
- $100,000 per location
- Holding period
- 30 days plus loan term
- Reporting
- Daily LeadsOnline filing
Summary
Pawnbrokers operating in San Antonio must hold a Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner license under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371. Maximum interest is roughly 20% per month on small pawns, items must be held 30 days, and SAPD monitors transactions through LeadsOnline.
Sec. 371.051. PAWNSHOP LICENSE REQUIRED. A person may not engage in business as a pawnbroker unless the person holds a pawnshop license. Sec. 371.052. ELIGIBILITY. (a) To be eligible for a pawnshop license, an applicant must: (1) meet the net assets requirement of Section 371.072; and (2) show that: (A) the pawnshop will be operated lawfully and fairly under this chapter; and (B) the applicant or the applicant's owners and managers have the financial responsibility, experience, character, and general fitness to command the confidence of the public in the pawnshop's operations.
Full Breakdown
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 governs pawn transactions statewide and applies fully in San Antonio. Pawnbrokers must obtain an OCCC license, post a $100,000 surety bond per location, and pay annual fees. Maximum monthly pawn-service charge follows a tiered formula that currently runs roughly 20% per month on the smallest tier, declining for larger loans. Pledged items must be held at least 30 days plus the loan term before forfeiture under Section 371.176. Pawnshops file daily LeadsOnline reports accessible to SAPD's Pawn Detail, verify customer identification, and record each item by serial number. State preemption bars San Antonio from imposing higher rate caps or layered local licensing, though SAPD investigates theft-recovery inquiries and refers fraud to Bexar County prosecutors.
Violations & Fines
Operating without an OCCC license, exceeding statutory rate caps, selling pledged items before the 30-day hold expires, or skipping LeadsOnline reporting triggers OCCC administrative penalties up to $1,000 per day, license revocation, and SAPD criminal referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum interest a San Antonio pawnbroker can charge?
When can a pawnbroker sell unredeemed merchandise in San Antonio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
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