Pawnbroker Training Vendor Application Process FAQs

This information is provided as a courtesy of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

Please refer to the Pawnbroker Information page for more information.

1. When can I apply to be a Responsible Pawnbroker Training Vendor?
2. How much does it cost to apply?
3. What topics must be covered in my training module?
4. Who needs to receive training from an Approved Vendor?
5. When must individuals receive the training from an Approved Vendor?
6. Must individuals receive additional training from an Approved Vendor?
7. Where can I find a list of Approved Vendors?

1. When can I apply to be a Responsible Pawnbroker Training Vendor?

The application window opens every fourth year. The next application window for new Responsible Pawnbroker Training Vendors will be August 1 to August 31, 2028. Applications will be made available on the Department’s website and must be submitted according to the application instructions. Please refer to the Pawnbroker Regulation Act of 2023 and the Pawnbroker Administrative Rules for more information.

2. How much does it cost to apply?

Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of $2,000. Please refer to our website and this FAQ in 2028 for updated deadlines and instructions.

3. What topics must be covered in my training module?

Subject to final approval of the Department, the curriculum for a responsible pawnbroker training program must include five or more of the following topics:

Federal, State, and local laws, administrative rules, and regulations that pertain to the business of being a licensed pawnbroker under the Act;
Procedures for identifying possible fraudulent transactions;
Anti-money laundering;
Store operations, maintenance of records, inventory management, recording and reporting of serial numbers;
General product knowledge, including, but not limited to, jewelry and firearms;
Identification, verification, and weighing of precious metals;
Inspections by State and local licensing and law enforcement authorities, including hold order procedures;
The federal Military Lending Act;
Pawn forfeits;
Security, risk, and crisis management; or
Proper maintenance of records required by the Department.

4. Who needs to receive training from an Approved Vendor?

Any person who manages or is an employee of a pawnbroker that provides pawnbroker services and related functions.

5. When must individuals receive the training from an Approved Vendor?

The initial training for pawnbroker managers and employees must be completed within 90 days after the first day of employment at a pawnbroker.

6. Must individuals receive additional training from an Approved Vendor?

Pawnbroker managers and employees must receive an additional four hours of refresher training each calendar year as provided in Section 10-65(c) of the Act.

7. Where can I find a list of Approved Vendors?

A list of Approved Vendors is provided below. Note that currently approved Responsible Pawnbroker Training Vendors will be invited to apply for re-approval prior to August 31, 2026.

2024-2026 IDFPR Approved Responsible Pawnbroker Vendor Training Providers

Pawn Academy
413 W. Lincoln Highway,
Chicago Heights, IL 60411

847-577-3700; arlingtonpawn@gmail.com; www.illinoispawn.org

Cash America, Inc. of Illinois
1600 W. 7th St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817-335-1100; Compliance@firstcash.com

EZPAWN Illinois, Inc.
2500 Bee Cave Road, Bldg. 1, Ste. 200
Rollingwood, Texas 78746

512-314-3400; Training@ezcorp.com