San Francisco, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- SFPD Chief of Police
- Weekday hours
- 8:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Weekend hours
- 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
San Francisco requires anyone operating a pawnbroking business to first obtain a permit from the Chief of Police, and pawnshops may only transact business during fixed hours set by ordinance.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or to cause or permit to be operated any pawnbroking business without first having obtained a permit from the Chief of Police.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
It is unlawful to operate a pawnbroking business in San Francisco without a Chief of Police permit issued after a filed application, fee, and hearing. Pawnshops may open only Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and must stay closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Every pawnbroker must also keep inspectable records of items purchased and sold.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit or violating any Article 28 provision is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or up to six months in County Jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a San Francisco pawnbroker permit?
Can a San Francisco pawnshop open on Christmas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.