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PAWNBROKERS

Las Vegas Municipal Code tit. 6, ch. 6.60
in effect

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.010 Privileged business determination.

6.60.010 - Privileged business determination. The City Council finds that the business of pawnbrokering seriously affects the well-being of the City and its residents; that it is necessary to regulate pawnbrokering carefully to ensure that persons of honesty and integrity are operating such businesses; that pawnbrokering is operated in a manner responsible to the public. Such businesses must therefore comply with Chapter 6.06 of this Code. (Ord. 3481 § 1, 1990: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-1)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.020 Definitions.

6.60.020 - Definitions. As used in this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed to them as follows: (A) "Application" means an application for consideration of a pawnbroker license. (B) "Auto-pawnbroker" means a pawnbroker who accepts a motor vehicle as pledged property or in any other matter allows the use of a motor vehicle as collateral or security for a loan. (C) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled but not operated upon rails. (D) "Pawn" or "pledge" means the deposit of personal property by a debtor (pawnor) to his creditor (pawnbroker) as security for a loan. (E) "Pawnbroker" means a person who lends money on the security of personal property, other than motor vehicles deposited or left in pawn with him. (F) "Pawnor" means a person who borrows money from another and deposits personal property with him as security for the loan. (G) "Personal property" means all corporeal property that is not real property as well as documents and titles. (H) "Police department" means the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. (I) "Population" means the estimated number of persons inhabiting the City as determined and reported by the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation, pursuant to the provisions of NRS 360.283, and as certified by the Governor, pursuant to the provisions of NRS 360.285. (Ord. 3753 § 1, 1993: Ord. 3481 § 2, 1990: Ord. 3675 § 1, 1992: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-2)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.030 License required.

6.60.030 - License required. No person shall conduct or transact a pawnbroking or auto-pawnbrokering business without a valid unexpired license as provided in this Code. (Ord. 3753 § 2, 1993: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-3)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.035 Auto-pawnbroker license.

6.60.035 - Auto-pawnbroker license. (A) A pawnbroker must not accept a motor vehicle as pledged property or in any other manner allow the use of a motor vehicle as collateral or security for a loan unless he is licensed as an auto-pawnbroker. (B) An auto-pawnbroker license may only be issued to a person licensed as a pawnbroker as provided in this Code. (C) A pawnbroker shall be issued an auto-pawnbroker license upon payment of the prescribed license fee as provided in this Chapter. (Ord. 3753 § 3, 1993)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.040 Fee.

6.60.040 - Fee. (A) Each person required to be licensed as a pawnbroker by this Chapter shall pay in advance a semiannual license fee of five hundred dollars. (B) Each person required to be licensed as an auto-pawnbroker by this Chapter shall pay in advance a semiannual license fee of two hundred fifty dollars. This fee is in addition to that fee imposed by Subsection (A) for a pawnbroker license. (C) In connection with the granting of each new pawnbroker license pursuant to this Chapter, there shall be a one-time origination charge payable: (1) In an amount and in the manner set forth in LVMC 6.60.060; or (2) As otherwise established by formal action of the City Council. (D) The transfer of a license pursuant to this Chapter is exempt from the origination charge. (Ord. No. 6723, § 1, 2-5-20; Ord. 3753 § 4, 1993: Ord. 3675 § 2, 1992: Ord. 2248 § 3, 1981: prior code § 5-9-24)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.045 Applicability of Chapter to auto-pawnbroker business.

6.60.045 - Applicability of Chapter to auto-pawnbroker business. The general provisions of this Chapter pertaining to a pawnbroker business, and the administration and enforcement thereof, to the extent not otherwise specifically addressed, or in conflict, or inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter pertaining to an auto-pawnbroker business, shall also apply to an auto-pawnbroker business. (Ord. 3753 § 5, 1993)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.050 Number of licenses available.

6.60.050 - Number of licenses available. (A) As of September 1, 2019, and, additionally, as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in part in this Section, there are twenty-four pawnbroker licenses within the City, that number being based on the language and implementation of a predecessor to this Section in relation to intervening population increases within the City. For purposes of this Section, the City Council: (1) Determines that, as of July 1, 2018, the population of the City is 652,918. (2) Determines and declares that, as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in part in this Section, one new pawnbroker license is available, for a total number of twenty-five licenses. (B) Following the issuance of the twenty-fifth pawnbroker license pursuant to Subsection (A), no additional new pawnbroker license may be granted under the provisions of this Chapter until the population of the City achieves or exceeds seven hundred thousand. Thereafter, only one new pawnbroker license may be granted for each population increase of fifty thousand persons, as certified by the Governor. The granting of additional licenses is discretionary with the City Council. (C) The procedure for making available any new or additional license under this Section shall be as set forth in LVMC 6.60.060. (Ord. No. 6723, § 3, 2-5-20)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.060 License auctions.

6.60.060 - License auctions. (A) With respect to the issuance of a new pawnbroker license pursuant to this Chapter, the Director may initiate an auction procedure in accordance with terms and conditions established by the Director. The procedure may include a live auction or an auction pursuant to sealed bids, and the Director may select a licensed auction firm to conduct the auction. (B) The terms and conditions to be established by the Director for the auction may include without limitation: (1) The requirement to register with proof of identity; (2) A nominal opening bid of sixty thousand dollars; (3) Payment of a percentage-based deposit upon the close of auction; (4) Proof of funding to be used to pay the required deposit, including appropriate limitations on the means of payment, such as requiring cash or a certified check or bank check; (5) Payment of the full amount of the winning bid within seventy-two hours after the close of auction; (6) Voiding of the winning bid if not paid within the seventy-two hour period, with the second-highest bid automatically becoming the new winning bid and the bidder responsible for the new winning bid receiving notice thereof; (7) That, if the bidder responsible for the new winning bid fails to pay the full bid amount within seventy-two hours following notice of the need to do so, termination of the auction with no right to a license resulting therefrom, and the ability to start with a new auction process. (C) In connection with an application for a business license pursuant to Section 6.60.065, the winning bidder, whether an individual or an entity, must have an ownership interest of at least ten percent when the license is applied for. (D) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection (D), no changes may be made in the ownership of the person or entity applying for the business license during the licensing process. During the licensing process, owners other than the winning bidder may be removed, but in no event may the winning bidder's ownership interest decrease below ten percent. (Ord. No. 6723, § 3, 2-5-20)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.065 Winning bidder requirements.

6.60.065 - Winning bidder requirements. (A) Within one year following the completion of an auction process described in LVMC 6.60.060, the winning bidder must complete the following: (1) Apply for a business license and fulfill all requirements of this Title that are applicable to the business licensing process. (2) Complete favorably all suitability determinations made applicable by and in accordance with LVMC Chapter 6.06. (3) Comply with all land use and development requirements applicable to the location proposed for the license, including obtaining any and all necessary land use approvals. (4) Obtain final licensing approval from the City Council. (B) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (A), the City Council may grant an extension of time for good cause shown. (C) The payment in full of the winning bid amount pursuant to the terms and conditions of an auction conducted pursuant to LVMC 6.60.060 shall be deemed to function as the origination charge referred to in LVMC 6.60.040(C). (D) If a winning bidder or the corresponding license applicant is denied a business license or does not complete the licensing process in accordance with Subsection (A): (1) The amount of the bidder's deposit on the day of the auction is forfeited; and (2) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (E), that bidder and any corresponding license applicant will be deemed ineligible for any future auction held under this Chapter for a period of one year after the denial of a license or the failure to complete the licensing process within the required time period. (E) Upon the request of a bidder or a license applicant, the City Council may waive the ineligibility provisions of Paragraph (2) of Subsection (D) upon a showing that the applicant has diligently pursued completion of the licensing process and the failure to complete the licensing process was beyond the applicant's control. (Ord. No. 6723, § 3, 2-5-20)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.080 Receipt—Generally.

6.60.080 - Receipt—Generally. (A) Each pawnbroker shall furnish to the pawnor a printed receipt for each article pawned which clearly shows the amount lent, a description of the property pawned, the date of receipt thereof, the last date for redemption and the name and address of the pawnbroker. The reverse side of the receipt shall be marked in such a manner that the amounts of principal and interest and any other charges paid by the pawnor can be clearly designated thereon. Each payment shall be entered upon the reverse side of the receipt and shall designate how much of the payment is being credited to principal, how much to interest, and how much to any other charge, with the date of payments shown thereon. (B) Each receipt shall be numbered in sequence. (C) Each receipt shall have a place to sign and each receipt must be signed by the pawnor. (Ord. 3481 § 5, 1990: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-5)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.090 Receipt—Interest.

6.60.090 - Receipt—Interest. Each receipt shall also have printed thereon, so as to be easily read, the maximum interest chargeable under State law. (Ord. No. 6168, § 1, 11-16-11; Ord. 5210 § 2, 2000: Ord. 3753 § 6, 1993: Ord. 3481 § 6, 1990: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-6)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.100 Tagging pawns.

6.60.100 - Tagging pawns. The pawnbroker shall affix to each article pawned a tag upon which shall be inscribed a number, of legible characters, which shall correspond to the number on the pawn receipt. (Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-7)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.110 Records.

6.60.110 - Records. (A) Every pawnbroker shall maintain in his or her place of business a book or other permanent record in which must be legibly written in the English language, at the time of each purchase: (1) The date and time of each transaction; (2) The name, age, house number and street, the serial number of one piece of positive identification or a work card issued pursuant to Chapter 6.86 of this Code and a general description of the complexion, color of hair and facial appearance of the person with whom the transaction is had. Instead of a record of the serial number of one piece of positive identification or a work card, the record may contain an entry that the pawnbroker knows the person with whom the transaction is had; (3) A description of the property received in pledge, which must include the manufacturer's serial number or identification number, if any, and all other numbers, letters and marks inscribed as identification on such property. In the case of watches, the description must also include the name of the maker and the number of the works or the case; (4) The amount lent; (5) The number of any pawn ticket issued therefor; (6) The name or other identification of the person or employee conducting the transaction, who shall legibly print or type his or her full name and write his or her signature on the record of the transaction. (B) The person with whom a transaction is had shall, at the time of the transaction, certify in writing that he or she has the legal right to pledge or sell the property that is the subject of the transaction. (C) The record of all goods received must at all times during the ordinary hours of business be open to the inspection of the police department. (Ord. 5299 § 1, 2001: Ord. 3675 § 11, 1992)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.120 Retention of pawns—Right of redemption.

6.60.120 - Retention of pawns—Right of redemption. (A) Each pawnbroker shall retain possession of any item of property pawned for at least ninety days from the date of the pawn. (B) Each pawnor has a right to redeem his or her property within the period of possession required in Subsection (A) of this Section. Property not so redeemed may be sold by the pawnbroker. (Ord. No. 6168, § 3, 11-16-11; Ord. 3481 § 8, 1990: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-9)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.130 Redemption statement.

6.60.130 - Redemption statement. At the time property is redeemed the pawnbroker shall furnish to the pawnor at his request a signed statement indicating the exact amount paid on principal and interest and any other payments made. The statement shall be either printed or stamped with the name of the pawnbroker and his address, and shall be legibly written so that the figures thereon are clearly discernible. (Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-10)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.140 Daily Police report—Requirements.

6.60.140 - Daily Police report—Requirements. Each pawnbroker must, before the hour of twelve noon of every day, make and deliver to the police department, in duplicate, a detailed record or ticket of each article pawned during the preceding twenty-four hours. The record or tickets shall set forth all of the information required to be kept in the book referred to in Section 6.60.110 of this Chapter. If no article has been pawned or received, a report must be made to that effect. (Ord. 3675 § 12, 1992: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-11)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.150 Daily Police report—Confidentiality.

6.60.150 - Daily Police report—Confidentiality. The records or tickets received by the police department from a pawnbroker shall be treated as confidential except in the ordinary administration of this Code or other federal, state or local laws or pursuant to a subpoena or other order of a court of competent jurisdiction. (Ord. 3675 § 13, 1992: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-12)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.160 Sign disclosing maximum interest rate.

6.60.160 - Sign disclosing maximum interest rate. Each pawnbroker shall post and maintain, in a prominent location within the confines of the pawnshop, a printed sign indicating the maximum interest chargeable under State law. The sign shall be not less than fifteen by twenty inches in size, with the maximum interest rate indicated in clearly discernible red lettering of not less than two inches in size, on a white background. (Ord. No. 6168, § 2, 11-16-11; Ord. 5210 § 3, 2000: Ord. 3753 § 7, 1993: Ord. 3481 § 9, 1993: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-13)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.170 Nonoperation.

6.60.170 - Nonoperation. Any licensee who desires permanently to discontinue the operation of his pawnbroker business and to sell his license may notify the Department of his desire to sell such license. The Department shall maintain a list of such pawnbroker licenses and make it available to any person who is interested in obtaining such license. All semiannual pawnbroker license fees must be paid notwithstanding that the licensee has discontinued operation of the business. (Ord. 3481 § 10, 1990: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-14)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.190 Age of employees.

6.60.190 - Age of employees. It is unlawful for any pawnbroker to employ any clerk or person under the age of eighteen years to receive any pawn or make any loan. (Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-17)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.200 Removal of property.

6.60.200 - Removal of property. No property received in pawn by any pawnbroker may be removed from his place of business, except when redeemed by the pawnor, until the expiration of thirty days after the receipt thereof has been reported to the police department as required by Section 6.60.140 of this Chapter. (Ord. 3753 § 8, 1993: Ord. 3675 § 14, 1992: Ord. 3069 § 2, 1983: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-18)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.210 Secondhand property purchases.

6.60.210 - Secondhand property purchases. No pawnbroker shall, in the conduct of such business, buy secondhand personal property for the purpose of resale or trade without first obtaining a secondhand dealer's license as provided by this Code. (Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-19)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.220 Safe storage—Insurance.

6.60.220 - Safe storage—Insurance. Each pawnbroker licensed under the provisions hereof shall provide a safe place for the keeping of the property received by him and shall have sufficient insurance on the property held in pawn to cover the pawnors' loss in case of destruction by fire. This policy shall provide coverage directly to the pawnors, as their interest may appear. (Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-20)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.230 Release without charge.

6.60.230 - Release without charge. A pawnbroker shall release, with- out charge, pawned property to a person if: (A) He has filed a stolen property report with a law enforcement agency; (B) He has furnished proof of ownership to the police department; and (C) The police department has issued a release order to the pawnbroker to release the described property to such person. (Ord. 3675 § 15, 1992: Ord. 2199 § 2 (part), 1981: prior code § 5-9-21)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.245 Unlawful encumbrance of license.

6.60.245 - Unlawful encumbrance of license. It is unlawful for any person to encumber any license by means of a lease, pledge, mortgage, deed of trust, security interest or other manner of alienation; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to a transfer or encumbrance of a person's interest in the license pursuant to the prior approval of the City Council, if such approval is otherwise required by this Code. (Ord. 3481 § 13, 1990)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.250 Unlawful acts.

6.60.250 - Unlawful acts. It is unlawful for any pawnbroker or any clerk, agent or employee of a pawnbroker to: (A) Omit making an entry of any material matter in his book or record kept as provided for in Section 6.60.110 of this Chapter; (B) Make a false entry in his book or record; (C) Obliterate, destroy or remove from his place of business the book or record; (D) Refuse to allow inspection by the Police Department of the book or record or any goods in his possession, during the ordinary hours of business; (E) Report a material matter falsely to the Police Department; (F) Omit reporting forthwith to the Police Department possession of property which he may have good cause to believe has been lost or stolen, together with the name of the owner, if known, and the date when and the name of the person from whom he received the property; (G) Remove or allow to be removed from his place of business, except upon redemption by the owner thereof, property received within thirty days after the receipt thereof is reported to the Police Department; (H) Receive property from a person under the age of eighteen years, common drunkard, habitual user of controlled substances as defined in Chapter 453 of NRS, habitual criminal, person in an intoxicated condition, known thief or receiver of stolen property, or any known associate of a thief or receiver of stolen property, whether the person is acting in his own behalf or as the agent of another; (I) Violate the provisions of Section 6.60.080 or Section 6.60.120 of this Chapter. (Ord. 3753 § 10, 1993: Ord. 3675 § 16, 1992: Ord. 3481 § 12, 1990: Ord. 3069 § 3, 1983)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 6.60.260 Storage fee for motor vehicles.

6.60.260 - Storage fee for motor vehicles. An auto-pawnbroker shall not charge more than three dollars per day for the storage of a motor vehicle which is security or collateral for a loan, and shall print such maximum rate on the receipt and sign required by LVMC 6.60.090 and 6.60.160 in accordance with the printing requirements of such sections. (Ord. 3753 § 11, 1993)
Source: City of Las Vegas, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT6BUTALIRE_CH6.60PAFetched: 10/28/2026

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