The pawnbroker licensing program is administered by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development adopts regulations to carry out laws governing pawnbrokers in Alaska. It makes final licensing decisions and takes disciplinary actions against people who violate licensing laws. This program was enacted by the Alaska State Legislature in 2010 and went into effect on July 1, 2011.
A permanent pawnbroker license is required for all persons engaging in business in Alaska for which a pawnbroker license is required by AS 08.76.100 and who do not hold a current municipal pawnbroker license that conforms to AS 08.76.100-08.76.590. If you are not sure whether your municipal license conforms to the new Alaska statutes, please contact the city clerk in your municipality. The Alaska pawnbroker license is valid for up to 2 years, and will expire on December 31 of every odd year.
Pawnbrokers must also obtain an Alaska Business License, which can be done after receiving a professional pawnbroker license.
Alaska Statutes are passed by the legislature. Regulations (also called the Alaska Administrative Code) are rules adopted by the department to implement, interpret, and make specific the statutes. Both statutes and regulations have the force of law.
Licensees are responsible for knowledge of all statutes and regulations pertaining to their profession. AS 08.01-08.03 and 12 AAC 02 apply to all professions regulated by the division. AS 08.76 specifically applies to the professional licensing of pawnbrokers.
Proposed regulations are advertised in Alaska newspapers and we invite public comment on them. If you would like to receive notice of proposed regulations, you must contact the Regulations Specialist, Jun Maiquis at (907) 465-2537, or by email at jun.maiquis@alaska.gov, and request that your name be added to the Pawnbroker interested parties list. Please advise us if you move or wish your name removed from the mailing list.
National organizations may provide information on the regulation of the practice of pawnbrokers in other states.
National Pawnbrokers Association PO Box 508 Keller, Texas 76244 Phone: 817-337-8830 Fax: 817-337-8875 Website: nationalpawnbrokers.org Email: info@nationalpawnbrokers.org
Patricia Lonergan, Licensing Examiner Phone: (907) 465-1037 Fax: (907) 465-2974 Email: patricia.lonergan@alaska.gov P.O. Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806