Woodbury, MN Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 11-402, 11-410
- Issuing authority
- Woodbury Police Department
- Investigation deposit
- $1,500 ($500 if MN-only check)
- Holding period
- 30 days before resale
- Redemption window
- 72 hours minimum, excluding Sundays/holidays
Summary
Woodbury requires a police-issued pawnbroker license, a $1,500 investigation deposit, daily photograph or video ID of every seller, a 30-day resale hold, and set hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. under Chapter 11, Article XII.
No person shall exercise, carry-on, or be engaged in the trade or business of pawnbroker or precious metal dealer within the city unless such person is currently licensed under this article... Holding period for pawnbrokers. Any item sold or pawned to a pawnbroker for which a report to the police is required under subsection (c) of this section shall not be sold or otherwise transferred for 30 days after the date of the sale or pawn. However, an individual may redeem an item pawned 72 hours after the item was received on deposit by the pawnbroker excluding Sundays and legal holidays.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 11-402 makes it unlawful to carry on the business of pawnbroker in Woodbury without a current license under Article XII, issued through the police department as issuing authority. Sec. 11-408(b) requires an investigation fee deposit of $1,500 to cover background verification, reduced to $500 if the check is conducted entirely within Minnesota. Sec. 11-410(f) sets a 30-day holding period: any item sold or pawned for which a police report is required cannot be sold or transferred for 30 days, though an individual may redeem a pawned item 72 hours after deposit, excluding Sundays and legal holidays; the police department can extend a hold by an additional 30 days if notified.
Sec. 11-410(q) requires a pawnbroker to photograph or videotape every person pawning or selling an item, with the photo at least two inches by two inches showing a front facial pose, kept for four months, and the customer must be notified they are being recorded. Sec. any day. Sec. 11-413(a) bars a pawnbroker from lending at interest above the legal rate, possessing stolen goods, selling pledged goods before the redemption period expires, refusing to disclose a buyer's identity after selling pledged goods, or making a loan to a minor.
Sec. 11-409 disqualifies applicants under 21 who are minors at filing, hold an intoxicating liquor license in Woodbury, or have relevant criminal convictions without shown rehabilitation under Minn. 03.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license violates Sec. 11-402. Violating the 30-day hold, lending above the legal interest rate, possessing stolen property, or lending to a minor under Sec. 11-413 is grounds for suspension or revocation under Sec. 11-412 after written notice and a public hearing with at least eight days' notice; a theft-related conviction triggers immediate suspension pending revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long must a Woodbury pawnbroker hold an item before selling it?
Does Woodbury require photos of pawnshop customers?
What is the investigation fee for a Woodbury pawnbroker license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbury
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