Rock Hill, SC Business Licensing & Operations: Secondhand Dealers (2026)

South Carolina's regulatory framework for pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers is codified primarily at S.C. Code §40-39-10 et seq. (the South Carolina Pawnbroker Act), administered by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) Consumer Finance Division. Key state-level requirements: (1) Certificate of Authority: §40-39-30 requires every pawnbroker to obtain a certificate of authority from SCDCA before operating, including a $50,000 surety bond and a $250 annual fee. (2) Pawn Ticket and Recordkeeping: §40-39-80 requires the pawnbroker to issue a written pawn ticket to each customer recording the customer's identifying information, a detailed description of the pledged property including serial numbers, the amount loaned, and the terms; §40-39-110 sets a maximum interest/service-charge schedule. (3) Hold Period and Reporting: §40-39-100 requires the pawnbroker to retain pawned goods on the licensed premises and prohibits commingling; many SC jurisdictions, including Rock Hill, require daily electronic transaction reporting to local police (Rock Hill Police Department, frequently through the LeadsOnline web service) to support stolen-goods recovery. (4) Maximum Interest: §40-39-110 caps pawn interest and service charges at percentages set by statute. Rock Hill additionally requires every business - including pawnbrokers and other secondhand dealers (precious-metals buyers, coin shops, consignment dealers handling reportable property) - to hold an annual Rock Hill Business License renewed by April 30. The Rock Hill Zoning Ordinance also governs where pawnshops can operate; pawnshops are commonly conditional or permitted uses in commercial districts (typically GC, HC, or similar) and may be restricted near schools, churches, and residential zones.