Columbia Serial numbers required ordinance (§ 13-81)
Chapter 13: Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations · Article IV. Pawnbrokers
In short: Pawnbrokers may not accept as collateral or buy cameras, radios, TVs, lawnmowers, firearms, office machines, stereo equipment, or any other item made with a serial or ID number unless that number or identifying mark is plainly visible on it.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
No pawnbroker shall accept as collateral security or purchase any camera, radio, television set, lawnmower, firearm, typewriter, adding machine, calculating machine, copying machine, duplication machine, tape recorder, tape player, cash register, still or moving picture projector or offset projector, record player, stereo equipment, dictating machine, electric buffer, electric polisher, or electric floor waxer, or any other property or item which, at the time it was manufactured, had a serial number or identification number affixed to it, unless such item shall have plainly visible thereon, the manufacturer's serial number or other identifying insignia.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 13-81
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.