Pawnbrokers: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do pawnbrokers rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio and Universal City have similar restriction levels.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
Pawnbrokers operating in San Antonio must hold a Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner license under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371. Maximum interest is roughly 20% per month on small pawns, items must be held 30 days, and SAPD monitors transactions through LeadsOnline.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing under the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Bexar County pawnbrokers must report transactions to the Sheriff, hold pledged property for set holding periods, and follow strict interest and recordkeeping rules.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| State law | TX Finance Code Ch. 371 | - |
| Licensing agency | Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner | - |
| Surety bond | $100,000 per location | - |
| Holding period | 30 days plus loan term | 30 days minimum |
| Reporting | Daily LeadsOnline filing | Daily to Sheriff |
| Statute | - | TX Finance Code 371 |
| State licensing agency | - | OCCC |
| Minors | - | May not pawn |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
What is the maximum interest a San Antonio 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 in San Antonio?
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.
Universal City FAQ
Can a pawnshop sell unredeemed goods immediately?
No. Texas law requires a minimum 30-day holding period after the loan due date before unredeemed pledged property can be forfeited and sold by the pawnbroker.
Are pawn transactions reported to police?
Yes. Bexar County pawnbrokers must transmit daily transaction data, including seller ID and item description, to the Sheriff or a regional pawn-tracking system used by area law enforcement.
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