York County, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Section 14-30(a) makes it unlawful to operate as a pawnbroker in York County without a license from the commissioner of revenue, except for pawnbrokers already licensed in Virginia before July 1, 1998. A pawnbroker is defined in subsection (b)(1) as anyone who lends or advances money on the pledge and possession of tangible personal property. Applicants must submit fingerprints, a photograph, three years of residential addresses, disclosure of criminal convictions, and, specific to pawnbrokers, authorization from the circuit court under Virginia Code Section 54.1-4001 before the commissioner of revenue will issue the license.

A bond meeting Virginia Code Section 54.1-4003 is also required. The license runs for two years and both the initial license and renewal cost $100, and it cannot be transferred to another person or location. Every pawnbroker must keep a detailed transaction record for each loan, including the item description, serial number, loan amount, interest rate, and the identification of the person pawning it, and must file a daily report with the sheriff by noon the following day. Subsection (o)(1) bars a pawnbroker from selling a pledged item until it has been in the pawnbroker's possession at least 30 days and a statement of ownership has been obtained. Law enforcement has a standing right to enter the premises and inspect records or seize suspected stolen property under subsection (m).