Pawnbrokers in King County need a state-recognized local license under RCW 19.60.045, must report transactions to police, observe interest rate and fee caps, and hold pledged items at least 90 days before forfeiture.
Washington pawnbrokers operate under RCW 19.60, including the pawnbroker-specific provisions in 19.60.045. Operators must obtain a local pawnbroker license, register all transactions, and report them to law enforcement. State law caps interest at three percent per month on most loans, with limited preparation, storage, and insurance fees. Pawnbrokers must hold pledged property at least 90 days from the loan due date before forfeiture, providing notice to pledgors. King County cities including Seattle, Kent, and Renton issue pawnbroker licenses and conduct inspections.
Unlicensed operation, unreported transactions, exceeding interest caps, or premature forfeiture can trigger license revocation, civil penalties, restitution, and criminal misdemeanor charges under RCW 19.60.066.
King County, WA
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See how King County's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.
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