Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lincoln County

Lincoln County, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License fee
$200
Bond required
$5,000
Interest cap
2% per month
Hold before resale
48 hours minimum
Pawn maturity
Minimum 30 days
License term
One year
Penalty
Class 2 misdemeanor, G.S. § 66-396

Summary

Pawnbrokers operating in unincorporated Lincoln County need a county license, a $5,000 bond, and must cap interest at 2% a month plus scheduled fees, record every pawn ticket, and hold pledged goods at least 48 hours before resale.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Lincoln County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

§ 113.03 LICENSE REQUIRED. ... It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to establish or conduct a business of pawnbroker unless the person, firm, or corporation has procured a license to conduct business in compliance with the requirements of G.S. Ch. 66, Art. 45. ... § 113.06 PAWNBROKER FEES; INTEREST RATES. (A) No pawnbroker shall demand or receive an effective rate of interest greater than 2% per month, and no other charge of any description or for any purpose shall be made by the pawnbroker, except that the pawnbroker may charge, contract services ... § 113.10 BOND. Every person, firm, or corporation licensed under this chapter shall, at the time of receiving the license, file with the county a bond payable to the county in the sum of $5,000

View official code

Full Breakdown

S. Ch. 66, Art. 03). 04). 05 requires a consecutively numbered pawn ticket for every transaction recording the item, the pledgor's identity and description, the date, the amount advanced, all charges, and the agreed stated value, with records open to Sheriff inspection during business hours. 06). 07). 08 bars pledges from anyone under 18, requires 48 hours before pledged goods can be resold or removed, limits a licensee to one pawnshop, and forbids taking mobile homes, RVs or motor vehicles other than motorcycles as pledges. 09).

Violations & Fines

Knowingly violating Chapter 113 is a Class 2 misdemeanor under G.S. § 66-396, and the pawnshop's license can be suspended by the court if an owner, major stockholder or managing partner knowingly committed the violation. Taking known stolen property without a police agreement is instead prosecuted under G.S. § 14-71. Substantial abuses can also cost the county-issued license after a hearing under § 113.04(D).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a Lincoln County pawnbroker charge in interest?
Section 113.06 caps the effective interest rate at 2% per month. Combined monthly fees for services like storage or appraisal cannot exceed 20% of the principal, capped at $100 the first month, $75 the second and third, and $50 from the fourth month onward.
How soon can a pawnshop resell an item I pledged in Lincoln County?
Not for at least 48 hours after the transaction, per § 113.08(G), except when the pledgor redeems it or it was purchased for resale from a wholesaler. The item also cannot be sold outright until 60 days past the maturity date without payment, under § 113.07(B).
Does a Lincoln County pawnbroker license require a bond?
Yes. Section 113.10 requires every licensee to file a $5,000 bond payable to the county, backed by two sureties or a licensed surety company, to cover faithful performance of the business's obligations.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln County

Secondhand DealersSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Lincoln County rules

Compare Lincoln County to another location·View the North Carolina business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Pawnbrokers in Lincoln County, NC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.