We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent (from 18 August 2026). We do not send direct payment links via text message or email. If you receive a message about a fine and are unsure whether it is genuine, please contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) before making any payment. Read more about identifying scams.
The Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers (the Authority) was established under the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004 (the Act).
The Authority:
issues licences and certificates to people working in the secondhand dealer and pawnbroker industries.
deals with police complaints against licence and certificate holders
keeps the register of license and certificate holders.
The Authority is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the Minister of Justice. They must have at least five years’ experience as a barrister or solicitor of the High Court. Appointments to the position are for a term of up to five years, and a person may be reappointed.
The current Authority is Ms Patricia McConnell.
Laws that cover our work
The Licensing Authority of Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers is governed by the following legislation: