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DeKalb County, GA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit issued by
DeKalb County Police Department
Renewal
annual
Hours
7 a.m.–9 p.m., Mon–Sat
Hold period
30 days before resale
Scope
unincorporated DeKalb County only

Summary

Unincorporated DeKalb County requires anyone operating or working at a pawnshop to get an annual police department permit before starting business, per Code Section 15-139.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All persons, before beginning the business of operating a pawnshop or becoming an employee of a pawnshop or similar place where money is advanced on goods or other effects or merchandise of any kind is taken in pawn, shall first file an application with the police department and obtain an annual permit to conduct or be employed in the business. No permit shall be issued until a fee in the amount established by action of the board of commissioners, a copy of which is on file in the office of the clerk of the board of commissioners, is paid to the police department.(b)The requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements of article II of this chapter.(c)The application for the permit required shall state the street and number at which it is proposed to operate the business. The application shall contain the full name, address, phone number, date of birth and social security number of all persons, including pawnbrokers, owning any interest in the proposed business, plus any additional information, including fingerprints, deemed necessary by the police department.(d)No business license shall be issued to a person until the permit required by this section has been granted by the police department. (Code 1976, §§ 7-1132—7-1134; Ord. No. 11-02, Pt. I, § 1, 11-27-01)

Full Breakdown

Before opening a pawnshop or working in one in unincorporated DeKalb County, the owner and every employee must file an application with the police department and obtain an annual permit, paying the board of commissioners' fee. Applicants must disclose full name, address, phone number, date of birth and Social Security number, and be fingerprinted. No business license issues until the police department grants the permit, and shops may only open 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the annual police permit, or violating recordkeeping and hours rules, is grounds for license revocation and prosecution under Section 1-10, with fines and possible jail time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a pawnbroker permit in DeKalb County?
Anyone operating a pawnshop or employed by one in the unincorporated county must get an annual police department permit under Code Section 15-139.
Can a DeKalb County pawnbroker sell pawned items right away?
No. Section 15-145 requires holding pawned or purchased goods at least 30 days before resale, transfer or shipment.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

All DeKalb County rules

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