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

" Applications go to the City Clerk's office and are referred to the Council's Committee on Police and License for review. Once approved, the City Clerk issues the license for a $100 fee, and it runs for one year, expiring every May 1. At the time of issuance the licensee must file a bond with the City Clerk under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, § 77. Section 329-2 requires every pawnbroker to keep a bound, consecutively numbered book recording each loan: a description of the pawned article with distinguishing marks, the amount loaned, the date, the interest rate, and the name, age, residence and vehicle registration number of the person pawning it.

Pawnbrokers must also photograph anyone pawning an item and keep that photo with the transaction record, and must furnish a copy of these records weekly, or more often if asked, to the licensing authorities. Records must be retained for at least one year from the last entry. Section 329-3 requires a signed memorandum of the loan be given to the customer at no charge. 5% per month for up to four months. Section 329-5, added in 1979, bars pawnbrokers and their employees from knowingly transacting with minors.