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Springfield, MA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

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

Key Facts

License fee
$200
Background check
CORI required on application/renewal
Issuing authority
Springfield Police Department
New-license moratorium
In effect through June 30, 2028

Summary

Springfield, MA pawnbrokers need a $200 Police Department license and a CORI background check before doing business.

The Police Department may license suitable persons to carry on the business of pawnbrokers in this City, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 140 of the General Laws. Upon application of license or renewal of all persons involved in secondhand dealer or as a pawnbroker shall submit to a CORI check of their criminal history. The Police Commissioner or his designee shall determine the suitability of the applicant and/or employees of the applicant. The fee for such license shall be $200.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).

Full Breakdown

Springfield City Code § 270-1 puts pawnbroker licensing under the Police Department, which may license suitable persons to operate as pawnbrokers under M.G.L. c. 140. Every applicant, and renewing licensee, must submit to a criminal history (CORI) check, and the Police Commissioner or designee decides suitability of the applicant and employees. The license fee is $200. Note that under § 270-11, added 6-17-2014 and last amended 6-10-2025, the City has an active moratorium on new pawnbroker licenses through June 30, 2028 -- only renewals of existing licenses are being issued in the City of Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts.

Violations & Fines

Operating as a pawnbroker without a license is a licensing violation under Chapter 270; recordkeeping and other Chapter 270 violations under § 270-10 carry a fine of not less than $300, plus possible suspension or revocation of the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who licenses pawnbrokers in Springfield, Massachusetts?
The Springfield Police Department, under § 270-1, pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 140; the fee is $200 and applicants undergo a CORI check.
Can someone get a new pawnbroker license in Springfield right now?
No. Section 270-11 bars new pawnbroker licenses through June 30, 2028; only renewals of existing licenses are being processed.

Sources & Official References

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