Prince William County Police Department

• A Pawnbroker License is issued to the owner of the business (covering all employees of the business), and is valid for the duration of time the business is operating after the application process is completed and approval is given by the Prince William County Circuit Court.
• A Secondhand Merchant License is issued to the manager or principal operator of the business (covering all employees of the business) and is valid for one year from the date issued. It may be renewed in the same manner as such permit was initially obtained. A list of items being purchased that qualify a business as a secondhand merchant are listed in County Code section 20.4-1.
• A Precious Metals and Gem Permit is issued to each employee of a business who wishes to conduct purchases, loans or acquisitions of precious metals or gems for the business. It is valid for one year from the date issued, and may be renewed in the same manner as such permit was initially obtained.

(Payment may be made in cash, or with the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, Visa)

Pawnbroker License

• Completion of the application as described above.
• There is no application fee; however, a nominal fee for fingerprinting services may be assessed.
• A petition must be filed with the Circuit Court after the application process is complete and the approved petition presented to the Licensing Section for the license to be issued.

Precious Metals and Gem Dealer Permit

• Completion of the application as described above.
• Payment of $200 application fee.
• Written verification of inspection and approval of all weighing devices to be used in the business, issued within the last year.

Secondhand Merchant License

• Completion of the application as described above.
• There is no application fee; however, a nominal fee for fingerprinting services may be assessed.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE:

Current driver’s license with photograph, or a valid DMV photograph ID card with current address.