Pawnbrokers: Houston vs Tomball
How do pawnbrokers rules compare between Houston, TX and Tomball, TX?
Houston and Tomball have similar restriction levels.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Pawnbrokers operating in Houston must hold a Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner license under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371. Maximum interest is 20% per month on small pawns, items must be held 30 days, and Houston Police monitor transaction reporting through LeadsOnline.
View full Houston rules →Tomball, TX
Harris County
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing exclusively with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Harris County pawnbrokers must hold an OCCC license, post maximum interest and fee charts, hold pledges for at least 60 days, and report transactions to law enforcement databases like LeadsOnline.
View full Tomball rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Tomball |
|---|---|---|
| State law | TX Finance Code Ch. 371 | - |
| Licensing agency | Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner | Texas OCCC |
| Surety bond | $100,000 per location | $5,000 per location |
| Holding period | 30 days plus loan term | - |
| Reporting | Daily LeadsOnline filing | LeadsOnline daily |
| Statute | - | TX Finance Code Ch. 371 |
| Hold period | - | Minimum 60 days total |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
What is the maximum interest a Houston pawnbroker can charge?
Texas Finance Code Section 371.181 sets a tiered formula. Small loans under $200 may carry roughly 20% per month including service charges. The OCCC publishes current ceilings and pawnshops must post them at the counter.
When can a pawnbroker sell unredeemed merchandise?
Only after the original loan term expires plus a 30-day grace period under Section 371.176. Selling earlier voids the pawn ticket, exposes the broker to civil suits, and can trigger OCCC license revocation.
Tomball FAQ
Does Harris County license pawnshops?
No. The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner licenses every pawnshop under Finance Code Chapter 371. The county does not duplicate licensing, though Sheriff property crime units inspect transaction records and partner with OCCC enforcement.
How long can a Harris County pawnshop hold my item before selling it?
At least 60 days total, the loan term plus a 30-day grace period under Section 371.158. Redeem during that window with principal plus accrued fees. After 60 days, the shop owns the unredeemed pledge and may sell.
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