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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · License & Permit Surety Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

Pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond

A pawnbroker or precious metals dealer bond is a surety bond required by many state or local licensing authorities before a pawnshop or precious metals dealer can operate. It protects customers and the public against certain losses caused by a dealer’s failure to follow licensing laws.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
Pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond
Category
License & Permit Surety Bonds
Required amount
State or local pawnbroker licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $50,000. Some jurisdictions use a higher amount or a schedule based on the number of locations or the volume of business. Confirm the amount and obligee with the licensing authority.
Online issue
Instant issue with acceptable credit up to $50,000. Higher amounts or specialized local bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.
Term
Pawnbroker bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some jurisdictions require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the licensing authority’s instructions.

Who needs a pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond?

  • Pawnbrokers applying for a state or local pawnbroker license that requires a surety bond.
  • Precious metals dealers, gold buyers, and coin or bullion dealers required to file a bond with a licensing authority.
  • Businesses adding a new location or renewing a license where a bond must remain in force.

Why is a pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond required?

Pawnbrokers and precious metals dealers handle valuable property and customer transactions that are regulated to deter theft and fraud. The bond gives customers and the licensing authority a recovery source when a dealer violates the licensing law or fails to meet certain obligations.

The bond is required as a condition of licensure and does not replace property insurance, crime coverage, or the dealer’s own recordkeeping and compliance controls.

How much bond do I need?

State or local pawnbroker licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $50,000. Some jurisdictions use a higher amount or a schedule based on the number of locations or the volume of business. Confirm the amount and obligee with the licensing authority.

Instant issue with acceptable credit up to $50,000. Higher amounts or specialized local bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does a pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the licensing jurisdiction, the term, and the applicant’s credit. Pawnbroker bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the value of inventory. Apply online for the current premium.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
Apply for This Bond Online All Bonds

Pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond term and renewal

Pawnbroker bonds are usually written for a one-year term and renewed with the license. Some jurisdictions require a bond that runs for the full license period or a continuous term. Follow the licensing authority’s instructions.

Good to know

  • If you operate multiple pawnshop locations, confirm whether the licensing authority requires a separate bond for each location or a single bond covering all locations.
  • Have the business legal name, license number if assigned, bond amount, and obligee ready before applying.

Pawnbroker and Precious Metals Dealer Bond questions

A pawnbroker or precious metals dealer bond is a surety bond required by many state or local licensing authorities before a pawnshop or precious metals dealer can operate. It protects customers and the public against certain losses caused by a dealer’s failure to follow licensing laws.

Pawnbrokers applying for a state or local pawnbroker license that requires a surety bond. Precious metals dealers, gold buyers, and coin or bullion dealers required to file a bond with a licensing authority. Businesses adding a new location or renewing a license where a bond must remain in force.

Premium depends on the bond amount, the licensing jurisdiction, the term, and the applicant’s credit. Pawnbroker bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the value of inventory. Apply online for the current premium.

State or local pawnbroker licensing laws set the amount, and common amounts range from $10,000 to $50,000. Some jurisdictions use a higher amount or a schedule based on the number of locations or the volume of business. Confirm the amount and obligee with the licensing authority. Instant issue with acceptable credit up to $50,000. Higher amounts or specialized local bond forms may require underwriting review. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm the required form.

Apply online through CNA Surety using the application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency. Complete the application, pay the premium online if the bond is eligible for instant issue, and then file the bond with the agency, court, or client that requires it.

Many states and some local jurisdictions require precious metals dealers, gold buyers, and coin dealers to obtain a license and file a surety bond. The requirement depends on the jurisdiction and the type of transactions. Check with the licensing authority where you operate.

The premium is based on the bond amount, the licensing jurisdiction, the term, and the applicant’s credit. It is usually a small percentage of the bond amount. Apply online for the current premium and to confirm instant-issue eligibility.

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.