Federal Way, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- FWRC 12.15.140, city clerk
- License cap
- 1 per 15,000 population
- Business hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- December extension
- Open until 10:00 p.m. Dec 1-24
- License expiration
- December 31st annually
- Gross misdemeanor
- Altering serial numbers, false records
Summary
Federal Way requires a city clerk license before anyone runs a pawnshop, caps the number of pawnbroker licenses at one per 15,000 residents, and enforces set business hours plus record and background-check duties.
No pawnbroker's license shall be issued which would increase the number of holders of such licenses to more than one for every 15,000 of population, according to the last preceding federal census; provided, that this population limitation shall not operate to prohibit the licensing of any pawnbroker duly licensed prior to May 1, 1990. ... It is unlawful for any person to engage in the business of pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, or secondhand precious metal dealer without first obtaining a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Every license granted under this title shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the place of business of the licensee. ... It is unlawful for any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer, or secondhand precious metal dealer to conduct or carry on the business... between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except from December 1st to December 24th of each year, when pawnbrokers may remain open until 10:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
FWRC 12.15.140 makes it unlawful to engage in the pawnbroker business without a license, and every license must be posted conspicuously in the shop. Applications under FWRC 12.15.150 must give the applicant's true name, be from someone at least 18, list everyone with a financial or proprietary interest, and disclose criminal convictions from the past 10 years; the city clerk refers each application to law enforcement for a criminal history background investigation under FWRC 12.15.160. FWRC 12.15.210 caps the number of pawnbroker licenses the city will issue at one for every 15,000 residents by the last federal census, though pawnbrokers already licensed before May 1, 1990 are grandfathered in.
Licenses expire December 31st with renewal fees due the same date, prorated quarterly, and FWRC 12.15.200 adds a late penalty for renewals filed more than seven working days after expiration. FWRC 12.15.300 bars operating between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except December 1st through 24th, when pawnbrokers may stay open until 10:00 p.m. FWRC 12.15.280 lets pawnbrokers charge interest at the RCW 19.60.060 rate, but anyone taking a higher rate or reselling pledged property before the 90-day redemption period expires violates the chapter. FWRC 12.15.230 requires entering transaction data into the police database within 24 hours and keeping a handwritten business book recording seller identification, item description, and price for every transaction.
Violations & Fines
FWRC 12.15.330 adopts RCW 19.60.066 by reference and makes it a gross misdemeanor to alter or obliterate a serial number on pledged property, falsify required transaction records, or accept property from a minor, an intoxicated person, or someone known to have a theft-related conviction within the past 10 years. Overcharging interest or reselling pledged goods before the redemption period runs is also a chapter violation under FWRC 12.15.280.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a pawnbroker resell pledged property early?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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