Grand Forks, ND Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Grand Forks City Code § 21-0802 makes it unlawful to carry on the business of pawnbroker in the city without first obtaining a license, with the fee set by city council resolution under § 21-0803. Before that license issues, § 21-0804 requires the applicant to post a bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other city-approved surety in the penal sum of $500, conditioned on the applicant's compliance with the pawnbroker article and any future ordinance on the subject. Section 21-0804.1 sets qualification standards: the applicant, or the manager if different, must be a U.S. legal resident of good moral character with no convictions for fraud, misrepresentation, theft or dishonesty, or for violating pawnbroker laws; corporate and LLC applicants must be properly registered and authorized to do business in North Dakota, and any change in a licensed company's managers, officers, directors or stockholders must be reported to the city council in writing within 10 days or the license is automatically and immediately revoked.

The chief of police, or another officer the city council designates, investigates the character, reputation and fitness of every applicant for a new license or a renewal under § 21-0804.2, and can require additional financial or business information as part of that review. Each license expires December 31 following issuance unless revoked sooner (§ 21-0805), and § 21-0810 bars any licensee from selling a dangerous weapon to anyone under 18 without written parental or guardian consent.