At Cash Express, we are very diligent about following the City of Philadelphia’s and the State of Pennsylvania's requirements for being pawnbrokers. There are many that are in place for consumer protection. Having a pawnbroker’s licence with both the city and the state is the primary step. Without that, a pawnshop is operating illegally. 

City of Philadelphia Regulations and Requirements for Pawnshops

Like other companies, Cash Express obtained its licence from the City of Philadelphia’s Business Office. We had to provide income and receipts tax ID, our commercial activity licence, and zoning approval (also from the City’s Business Office.) 

The application process includes an application fee, which you can handle online or in person at the Permit and Licence Center.

Pawn Shop Regulations After Licensure

1. Cash Express registered itself with the Philadelphia Police Department and uses an approved inventory tracking system. This ensures they do not buy or sell stolen goods. 

2. Mandatory hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 5 pm (not before or after). There are no business transactions on Sundays.

Buying and Selling at Pawn Shops

1. We require a valid personal photo ID (State or Government) from you before we can purchase anything from you. Please ensure you bring it with you when visiting.

2. Once we’ve agreed on a value, we’ll take a picture of you and then take an imprint of your left thumb, per PA guidelines. 

3. We will issue you a ticket if you are pawning your item. This ticket is vital. It proves your ownership when you pay off your Cash Express Quick Cash loan.

4. Afterward, we will register and report the transaction managed by the Philadelphia Police Department.

State of Pennsylvania Regulations and Requirements for Pawnshops

On a state level, the pawnbroker must obtain a license through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Securities. The fees and bond apply to EACH business location. There are also capitalisation rules, with a minimum capitalization of $10,000 per location. A shop owner must renew their licence annually, submitting their request at least a month in advance.

If our store were ever to relocate, we would have to get prior approval via application. Any changes in the originally reported business structure require a new license. Stores must have:

• Adequate security measures

• A vault

• A means of tracking tickets effectively.

All three of these mandates protect consumers’ property.

Failure to follow any of the rules can result in fines, a suspension of the license to operate, and even Cease Operation Orders.

Cash Express 

Cash Express believes in being an active part of our community. That means abiding by city and state laws and regulations, and keeping abreast of changes. You can come here secure in the knowledge that we have all applicable licences up to date.

Whether you’re buying or selling jewelry, antiques, computers, smartphones, tools, etc., our professionals are ready to lend a helping hand. If you’d like more information, you can contact us in three ways:

Our online contact form 

Email us at info@pawnphiladephia.com, or Call our office at 215-922-1560