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Pawnbroker License

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Before you submit your application

  • 1

    You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. More info

      Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.

      • Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
      • Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
      • Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. DCWP will verify active status prior to license issuance. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.

  • 2

    Complete the Basic License Application. More info

      The Basic License Application requires business information, including applicable identification numbers (such as EIN, SSN, or ITIN); contact information for the business location and business owner, history of criminal and / or civil charges for the business owners, partners, shareholders, and officers; and any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives.

  • 3

    The business must provide their New York State Sales Tax Identification Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application .

      LEARN MORE

    • 4

      Submit a copy of a $10,000 surety bond (or third party bond), properly signed. More info

        The copy of the bond must name the City of New York as the Certificate Holder. The business name and address on the bond must match the information provided in the license application. The applicant must also submit a copy of the bond receipt showing that the bond has been paid in full and does not expire before the end of the licensing period.

      DOWNLOAD LIST OF BONDING COMPANIES (PDF )

    • 5

      If someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application, complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation. More info

        Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.

      Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF )

    • 6

      All Sole Proprietors, General Partners, Corporate Officers, Principals, Directors, Members, and Shareholders owning 10% or more of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted. More info

        Visit uenroll.identogo.com. Enter Service Code and Agency ID. Service Code is 1585GF. Agency ID is the numbers only from Application Number. Application Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online. Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter only 12345672023 as Agency ID. Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s). IMPORTANT: Anyone required to be fingerprinted should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to complete this requirement.

    • 7

      List of Fees. More info


        If You File Your Application Between These Dates: Option 1 Option 2
        From May 1 to October 30 Pay $500 for a
        license expiring
        April 30 of the
        following year.        		 N/A
        From November 1 to December 31 Pay $250 for a
        license expiring
        April 30 of the
        following year.
        (Valid for at most 6
        months        )        		 Pay $750 for a license
        expiring April 30 of the
        year following the next
        year. (Valid for at
        most 18 months        )
        From January 1 to April 30 Pay $250 for a
        license expiring
        April 30 of the same
        year. (Valid for at
        most 4 months        )        		 Pay $750 for a license
        expiring April 30 of the
        following year. (Valid
        for at most 16
        months        )
        Pay by:
        - Check or money order payable to DCWP. (In person application submissions.)
        - Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only). You will be charged a nonrefundable Convenience Fee. (In person or online application submissions.)

      • Ready to Apply?

      Apply Online Apply in Person

      Steps to apply online:

    • 1

      Review the requirements for the license and gather all materials before clicking the Apply Online button. Note: You will be redirected to a new web page where you will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

        • Apply Online
        Apply Online open_in_new
      • 2

        After submitting an application online, print a copy of the Confirmation Page. The Confirmation Page will list the additional steps and materials required to complete the application. These materials are also listed above and must be submitted within five business days of filing the application online if they were not uploaded as part of the online application submission.

          • Steps to apply in person:

        • 1

          Complete the required application forms and gather all necessary documentation identified in the section above.

          • 2

            Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.

              NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

              Address
              Licensing Center


              42 Broadway, Lobby




              New York NY 10004
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