Indiana § 28-7-5-3 - Necessity of license; misleading representations; territorial application
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 28-7-5-3 — Necessity of license; misleading representations; territorial application, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28-7-5-3. Necessity of license; misleading representations; territorial application
Sec. 3. (a) Except as authorized by this chapter and unless a license is first obtained from the department, a person shall not engage in business as a pawnbroker, act as a pawnbroker, transact or solicit business as a pawnbroker, or use in any advertisement, signage, or electronic or printed material, or in the person's business name, a phrase or statement that includes "pawn", "pawnbroker", "pawn shop", "pawn loan", or any word or phrase that would reasonably lead another person to conclude that the person is a pawnbroker, is engaging in business as a pawnbroker, or is engaging in conduct that would mislead or confuse a person into believing that the person is a pawnbroker or is engaging in business as a pawnbroker.
(b) A pawnbroking transaction occurs in Indiana and is subject to the licensing requirements of this chapter and all other requirements of this chapter if a consumer who is a resident of Indiana enters into the pawnbroking transaction with a pawnbroker, or a person acting on behalf of the pawnbroker, that is located:
(1) in Indiana; or
(2) outside Indiana if the pawnbroker or person acting on behalf of the pawnbroker has advertised or solicited pawnbroking in Indiana by any means, including by mail, brochure, telephone, print, radio, television, the Internet, or electronic means.
A pawnbroking transaction does not occur in Indiana if a consumer who is a resident of Indiana enters into the pawnbroking transaction at a pawnbroker's place of business in another state.
Formerly: Acts 1935, c.195, s.3. As amended by P.L.263-1985, SEC.184; P.L.14-1992, SEC.132; P.L.163-2001, SEC.1; P.L.90-2008, SEC.48; P.L.216-2013, SEC.33.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 28-7-5-3
What does Indiana Code § 28-7-5-3 cover?
Section 28-7-5-3 ("Necessity of license; misleading representations; territorial application") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 28-7-5-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 28-7-5-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 28-7-5-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.