Ames, IA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Section 17.25 of the Ames Municipal Code defines a pawnbroker as anyone who lends or advances money on the pledge or possession of personal property, or who buys personal property on condition of selling it back at a stipulated price. Before conducting business, a pawnbroker must file a sworn written application with the City Clerk disclosing owners, agents, employees, business locations, prior itinerant activity in the last six months, advertising plans, and any corporate authorization. The application fee is set by the City Council. The City Clerk forwards the application to the Ames Chief of Police, who investigates and may recommend refusal for fraud, misrepresentation, a fraudulent transaction, or a pattern of criminal activity; the Clerk must act within ten days.

A denied applicant can appeal in writing to the City Manager within ten days for a hearing with counsel and cross-examination rights. The permit is a personal, non-transferable privilege that expires every December 31 regardless of issue date, with no partial refund if the business closes early. The City Manager can revoke a permit after twenty days' written notice and a hearing for knowing violations of Section 17.25. Pawnbrokers must also report transactions to a Police-designated tracking service within 24 hours, hold pawned items ten days before disposal, admit police officers to inspect the premises, and verify photo identification on every transaction.