Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Wilmington

Wilmington, DE Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License fee
$200.00 per year
Governing section
City Code § 5-85
Issued by
Department of Finance
Unlicensed operation
separate offense each day
Charter fee cap
$200 max (§ 6-4)

Summary

Pawnbrokers in Wilmington must hold an annual city business license under the nonprofessional-service classification, paying a $200 yearly fee before buying, selling, or lending against secondhand goods anywhere in city limits.

(a)All persons working at or engaged in a business related to a nonprofessional service shall pay per year, the license fee as required by section 5-101. (b)All businesses coming under this section shall be licensed as one of the following categories: ...Newspaper/magazine subscriptions. Pawnbroker. Pest control, exterminators....

Source: Wilmington City CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 5-34 bars anyone from engaging in a business, profession, or calling until licensed. Section 5-85 lists 'Pawnbroker' among the nonprofessional-service categories requiring that license, and section 5-101's fee schedule sets the pawnbroker rate at $200.00 per year: the same $200 cap the city charter (§ 6-4) authorizes council to charge for pawnbroker and junk-dealer licenses. The license is issued by the department of finance; a pawnbroker already licensed under this section may not also hold a secondhand-precious-metals-dealer license (§ 5-80) at the same premises.

Violations & Fines

Operating unlicensed is a misdemeanor under § 5-55(e), punished per § 1-5; each day of unlicensed operation is a separate offense, and the commissioner of licenses and inspection can order the business to cease and desist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Wilmington pawnbroker license cost?
$200.00 per year under the nonprofessional-service fee schedule in City Code § 5-101: the same amount the city charter caps council-set pawnbroker license fees at under § 6-4.
What happens if a pawnbroker operates without a city license?
It's a misdemeanor under § 5-55(e); each day of unlicensed operation counts as a separate offense, and the city can order the business to cease and desist.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Wilmington

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSome RestrictionsTobacco Retail LicenseSome RestrictionsSecondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSignificant RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Wilmington rules

Compare Wilmington to another location·View the Delaware business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Pawnbrokers in Wilmington, DE changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.