Introduction
You need a pawnbroker licence to lend money to people who give you goods as security for the loan.
To buy or sell second-hand goods you also need a second-hand dealer licence.
You can apply for a 1, 3 or 5-year licence as an individual or corporation and get a:
- pawnbroker licence
- second-hand dealer licence or
- combined pawnbroker and second-hand dealer licence.
Eligibility
You must:
- be aged 18 years or over
- be a 'fit and proper person' to hold a licence
- not be a disqualified person
- not be a controlled member of a declared criminal organisation.
A corporation can only hold a licence if:
- the corporation is a 'fit and proper person' to hold a licence, and
- each corporation director is a 'fit and proper person' to hold a licence, and
- the corporation is not a disqualified person.
For more about eligibility visit the NSW Fair Trading website: Pawnbroker and second-hand dealer licences.
What you need
To apply for a licence you need:
- the PDF form – 'Application for a Licence Under the Pawnbrokers and Second-Hand Dealers Act'
- your details and the details of the corporation, directors or business partner (if applicable)
- your business address and contact details
- storage address (if applicable)
- your licence application fee payment
- proof of identity (such as driver licence or passport).
How to apply
- Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
- Fill in the form.
- Submit your application:
- in person at a Service NSW Centre or
- by email using the details on the form.
What happens next
NSW Fair Trading will:
- review and assess your application
- conduct a criminal record check on the applicant, directors and managers of a business
- contact you if they need more information.
NSW Fair Trading aims to assess applications within 30 days from when your completed application and payment is received. The assessment period does not start until you have provided any additional information requested.
You cannot operate as a pawnbroker or second-hand dealer while your application is being assessed.
NSW Fair Trading will email you to let you know if your application is:
- successful and send you a copy of your licence
- unsuccessful and will give you the reasons and your options in writing within 21 days of the decision date.
Payment methods and fees
- Visit the NSW Fair Trading website for Pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers fees.
- You can pay your licence application fee to NSW Fair Trading online and enter the receipt number on the PDF form. Pay by credit card or PayPal using the payment portal.
- To pay at a service centre check the payment options available. Some service centres do not accept cash payments.
Contact
For help with completing the application form contact NSW Fair Trading:
- send an email to businesslicensing@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or
- call 13 32 20 Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5pm (Sydney time).