The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is mandated by law to issue and renew pawnbroker licenses within Maricopa County and verify compliance with statutory requirements in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 44-1621 – 44-1632.  This responsibility is fulfilled by the Sheriff’s Office Pawnshop Detail.  In addition to the duties above, the Pawnshop Detail also coordinates license suspension hearings between pawnshops and law enforcement agencies. 

The Pawnshop Detail receives pawn tickets from pawn shops located in the county area and conducts inspections to ensure compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes.  Pawn shops located within a city’s boundary will submit tickets to their respective local police department. 

Interested applicants may contact the Pawnshop Detail at telephone 602-876-1844 and request a packet be mailed to them.  The packet outlines specific requirements relating to forms, fingerprint cards and fees.  Please allow approximately 120 days processing time from the date we receive the application until the pawnbroker license is approved.

Additionally, if the pawnshop is located in an unincorporated area, please contact the County Planning and Zoning Department at telephone number 602-506-3301 for any requirements and/or restrictions.  If the pawnshop is located within city boundary, please contact the city zoning department for any zoning restrictions and the local police department pawn detail regarding city licensing and ticket requirements.

Any firearms related questions should be directed to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. 

Pawnbroker Licenses renew on January 1^st each year.  The Pawnshop Detail mail renewal forms out approximately 120 days prior to the renewal date.  Please note that it is the pawnbroker license owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with state statute and contact the Pawnshop Detail prior to the renewal date if no renewal forms have been received.      

The Sheriff’s Office Pawnshop Detail is located inside the Superior Court building, 201 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona.  Once inside the building after security check, locate the West Court section and take the elevator to the 2^nd floor. 

Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M., excluding holidays.