The Pawnbroker Act requires that a business operating as a pawnbroker in this state must file for a Certificate of Authority and pay a filing fee of $275 for each location.  A pawnbroker is any person:
(1) engaged in the business of lending money on the security of pledged goods; or 
(2) engaged in the business of purchasing tangible personal property on the condition that it may be redeemed or repurchased by the seller for a fixed price within a fixed period of time. 

Initial and renewal filings are now available on the Department's new online licensing system!

*Please note the Department's physical address is 293 Greystone Blvd., Ste. 400 | Columbia, SC | 29210*
**Mailings may be sent to PO Box 5757 | Columbia, SC | 29250-5757**

Information about the 2018 Amendments

• 8/6/18 Notice Re: Database (PDF) 
  • LeadsOnline (PDF)
• 6/28/18 Notice Re: Licensing and 2018 Law Changes (PDF)
• Press Release: 2018 Pawnbroker Amendments (PDF)

Law

• Pawnbroker Statute S.C. Code Ann. § 40-39-10 et seq.
• 2018 Amendments
• 2016 Amendments
• Pawnbroker Regulation 28-200 (PDF)
• Pawnbroker Dollar Amount Adjustments 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2026 (PDF) **NEW!**

Licensing Instructions and Forms

• Initial Application (PDF)
• Instructions for Renewal (PDF)
• Renewal Application (PDF) (Read "Instructions for Renewal" first)
• Instructions on How to Print Pawnbroker Certificates (PDF)
• Owner/Employee Verification Form (PDF)
  • Upon receipt of your application, the Department will provide criminal background check instructions.
• Notice of Lost, Stolen or Damaged Goods (PDF)

Sample Documents

• Notice of Impending Forfeiture (PDF)
• Pawnbroker Rate Chart (PDF)
• Pawnbroker Ticket (PDF)
• Surety Bond Form (PDF)

Business Address/Name Change Form

• Business Address/Name Change Form (PDF)