You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make, or that are not available, online can be submitted via mail for processing. Department staff is available to assist with any questions at (800) 922-1594 (toll free in SC) or 803-734-4200 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays. You can also email general questions to scdca@scconsumer.gov. 

Pawnbrokers Act Dollar Amount Adjustments

In 2016, the General Assembly amended the South Carolina Pawnbrokers Act (Act), Title 40, Chapter 39. One of the amendments increased the maximum loan a pawnbroker can make to $15,000. In exchange, another amendment increased the amount of a pawnbroker’s surety bond to $15,000. 

Pursuant to Section 40-39-55, both dollar amounts are subject to change every five years beginning July 1, 2021, based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for that five-year period, not to exceed 10%. Pursuant to Section 40-39-55(B), the Administrator is required to announce these changes by publication in the State Register before May 1 of the year in which dollar amounts are to change. 

According to Section 40-39-55(B), pawnbrokers may rely on the published dollar amounts in effect at the time a transaction is made. For more details, refer to Section 40-39-55 and review the below notices previously published by the Administrator.

Pawnbroker Dollar Amount Adjustments 7/1/2026-6/30/2031 (PDF)

Pawnbroker Dollar Amount Adjustments 7/1/2021 - 6/30/2026 (PDF)