Pawnbrokers in California operate under Financial Code Section 21000 et seq., requiring state licensing through the Department of Justice plus local law enforcement registration; Santa Clara County Sheriff handles reporting for unincorporated areas.
California Financial Code Section 21000 et seq. governs pawnbrokers, requiring DOJ-issued state licensure plus registration with the local police chief or sheriff. Santa Clara County Sheriff administers local reporting for unincorporated jurisdictions. Pawnbrokers must report every loan and pledge to the state's CAPSS-equivalent reporting system (LEADS Online), photograph collateral, hold pledged items at least four months before sale, verify pledgor identification, and limit interest and fees to statutory caps. Live Scan, surety bonds, and zoning approval are required. Cities including San Jose impose additional zoning buffers. Violations carry misdemeanor charges, license revocation, and civil penalties up to $1,000 per loan.
Operating without state license, failing to report pledges, selling collateral before the four-month hold, charging excess interest, accepting pledges without ID, or buying from minors triggers misdemeanors, civil fines, and license revocation.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale permits construction noise Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. No construction on Sundays or major holidays without ...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale was one of the earliest California cities to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, ahead of statewide AB 1346. Only electric or battery blowers are allowed...
Sunnyvale, CA
Aircraft noise from Moffett Federal Airfield, NASA Ames, and San Jose International is preempted by federal FAA rules. Sunnyvale cannot regulate overflight n...
Sunnyvale, CA
Street parking in Sunnyvale is governed by SMC Title 10 and California Vehicle Code. The 72-hour rule (CVC 22651(k)) applies, and posted permit zones restric...
Sunnyvale, CA
Sunnyvale driveway construction and use are governed by SMC Title 19 zoning and Title 16 encroachment rules. Blocking sidewalks or the public right-of-way is...
Sunnyvale, CA
RVs, trailers, and boats over 6 feet tall or 22 feet long are restricted on Sunnyvale streets under SMC Title 10. Short-term loading is allowed with limits; ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Sunnyvale's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.