Tustin, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Section 3511 bars anyone from operating a pawnbroker business without a valid permit from the Director. Section 3512 makes a conditional use permit a prerequisite for eligibility, and disqualifies anyone convicted of attempting to receive stolen property or any other stolen-property offense. Section 3513 requires the application to include a two-year non-revocable surety bond of at least $20,000, or a higher amount if required by Division 8 of the Financial Code, running in favor of the State of California for the benefit of people whose pledged property cannot be redeemed because of the pawnbroker's criminal conduct; a financial statement, signed under penalty of perjury and reviewed by a California CPA, showing at least $100,000 in liquid assets (not counting real property) available for each licensed location; and the names, addresses and fingerprints of employees at that location.

Section 3514 has the Director investigate the applicant, employees, and site, and approve the permit only if the applicant is of good moral character, the activity is lawful, the site suits it, and granting it will not harm public safety or nearby properties. Section 3515 then sets operating rules: employee changes must be reported to the Police Department with fingerprints within 10 days of hiring, business is confined to the permitted location unless the Director and Police Chief consent to other storage, hours run 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the permit must be displayed in plain view, advertising must show the permit number, the permit cannot be transferred, minors cannot pledge anything, and a pawnbroker cannot promise a seller the right to repurchase goods sold outright.