Billings pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers must register with the Billings Police Department, hold a city business license, and report transactions through electronic property reporting databases to deter trafficking in stolen goods.
Pawnshops in Billings operate under Montana law in MCA Title 31 Chapter 1 Part 2 along with BMC Chapter 8 business licensing. Operators must keep detailed transaction logs including seller ID, item descriptions, serial numbers, and purchase amounts. Billings Police Department requires daily electronic reporting of pledged or purchased items, typically through services like LeadsOnline, allowing detectives to cross-check stolen property. A mandatory holding period of 14 to 30 days before resale lets police place holds on suspect merchandise. Licenses require operator background checks excluding felony theft convictions in the past decade.
Failure to report transactions or knowingly receiving stolen property is a misdemeanor or felony depending on value, with license revocation, fines up to 500 dollars per missed report, and potential criminal charges under MCA 45-6-301.
Billings, MT
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