Here in Minnesota, the laws require pawn shops to require ID. Additionally, the video tape the transactions and complete forms.

As a side note, someone tried to pawn my daughter's high school ring last week. The pawn shop owner took one look at the woman (obviously older than high school age) looked at the name engraved inside, told the woman it wasn't hers and that he was keeping it. He called the high school, who called us, and we have the ring back. I guess it does vary by geography and personnel.

Lindsay