Lincoln, NE Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit fee
- $50.00 per year
- Required bond
- $5,000 surety bond
- Occupation tax
- $25.00 per year
- Max fine per violation
- $500.00 per day
- Hold before resale
- 4 months from pawn date
Summary
Lincoln requires anyone operating as a pawnbroker to hold a City Clerk-issued Pawnbroker Permit backed by a $5,000 surety bond, plus a yearly $25 occupation tax.
It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a pawnbroker individually or as part of a business without a valid Pawnbroker Permit. A suspended, revoked, or expired permit is not a valid permit.
Full Breakdown
City Code Chapter 5.34 makes it unlawful to act as a pawnbroker without a valid Pawnbroker Permit; a suspended, revoked, or expired permit doesn't count. Applicants file a sworn application with the City Clerk, submit fingerprints, and undergo a Chief of Police background investigation. The permit costs $50/year, requires a $5,000 surety bond, is location-specific and non-transferable, and renews annually. Pawnbrokers also owe a separate $25/year occupation tax and must hold pawned items 14 days before release and 4 months before resale.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a valid permit, or violating any Chapter 5.34 requirement, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pawnbroker permit be transferred to a new owner or location?
How long must a Lincoln pawnbroker hold an item before selling it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska business licensing & operations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.