Pawnshop Compliance and Security Inspection Checklist

This checklist ensures pawnshop operations comply with state pawnbroker act regulations, ATF federal firearms license requirements (27 CFR Part 478) where applicable, FinCEN anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, and OSHA general industry safety standards. Designed for pawnshop owners and state compliance inspectors.

  • Industry: Pawnbroking / Secondary Retail
  • Frequency: Monthly / Per regulatory inspection
  • Estimated Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Role: Pawnshop Owner / Compliance Manager
  • Total Items: 22
  • Compliance: State Pawnbroker Act (state-specific regulations), ATF 27 CFR Part 478 Commerce in Firearms (if FFL held), FinCEN AML Program Requirements for Pawnbrokers (31 CFR Chapter X), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Safety Standards

Transaction Records and Compliance

Pawn ticket and transaction record compliance.

  • All pawn transactions documented on required state pawn tickets with ID?
  • Daily transaction reports submitted to police per state requirements?
  • Minimum hold periods observed before putting pledged goods out for sale?
  • Transaction records retained per state requirements (typically 3-5 years)?

Firearms Compliance (FFL Operations)

ATF and FFL compliance for firearms transactions.

  • ATF Form 4473 completed for all firearm transfers?
  • NICS background check conducted for all firearm sales and redemptions?
  • A&D bound book (or electronic equivalent) current for all firearm acquisitions and dispositions?
  • Firearms stored in locked display cases or secured storage when not attended?

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance

FinCEN and BSA compliance for pawnbrokers.

  • Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) filed for cash transactions over $10,000?
  • Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) procedures in place?
  • Customer identification verification completed for all reportable transactions?

Stolen Property Prevention

Stolen goods prevention compliance.

  • Government-issued ID verified and copied for all pledgors?
  • Serial numbers recorded for all electronics, tools, and firearms?
  • Items checked against stolen property database (LeadsOnline, NCIC, local police)?

Physical Security and Safety

Store physical security systems.

  • Burglar alarm system active and monitoring?
  • CCTV cameras covering all transaction areas and recording?
  • Panic buttons or duress alarm available to staff?
  • Cash and high-value items in locked safes when not in use?
  • Compliance issues or incidents to document

Consumer Protection

State consumer protection and lending regulations.

  • Interest and fee rates within state statutory limits?
  • Interest rates and fees disclosed to pledgors per state truth-in-lending requirements?
  • Pawnbroker license posted in prominent location?

Related Retail Checklists

Related Store Operations Checklists

Why Use This Pawnshop Compliance and Security Inspection Checklist?

This pawnshop compliance and security inspection checklist helps pawnbroking / secondary retail teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pawnshop owner / compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 22 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly / per regulatory inspection.

Ensures compliance with State Pawnbroker Act (state-specific regulations), ATF 27 CFR Part 478 Commerce in Firearms (if FFL held), FinCEN AML Program Requirements for Pawnbrokers (31 CFR Chapter X), OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry Safety Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Pawnshop Compliance and Security Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 22 inspection items across 6 sections: Transaction Records and Compliance, Firearms Compliance (FFL Operations), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance, Stolen Property Prevention, Physical Security and Safety, Consumer Protection. It is designed for pawnbroking / secondary retail operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly / per regulatory inspection. Each completion takes approximately 25-30 minutes.

Who should use this Pawnshop Compliance and Security Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Pawnshop Owner / Compliance Manager professionals in the pawnbroking / secondary retail industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists