Lyon County, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, from Board of Commissioners
- Standard bond
- $500 surety bond
- Autopawn environmental bond
- $10,000
- Maximum interest
- 10% per month
- Minimum redemption period
- 120 days
- Penalty for violation
- License revocation or $500 fine
Summary
Operating as a pawnbroker in unincorporated Lyon County, Nevada requires a permit from the Board of County Commissioners plus a $500 surety bond, with a separate autopawn permit and $10,000 environmental bond needed to take vehicles as collateral. Interest is capped at 10% a month and pledged property must be held 120 days.
5.05.02: PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: ... A. Permit Required: ... It is unlawful for any person to purchase or sell and do business as a pawnbroker in the County without first obtaining a permit for such business from the Board. B. Autopawn Permit: An additional permit must be acquired prior to accepting a motor vehicle as pledged property or using a motor vehicle in any other manner as collateral for a loan. ... 5.05.07: ... CHARGES AND RECEIPTS: All pawnbrokers are authorized to charge and receive interest at the rate of not more than ten percent (10%) a month for money loaned on the security of personal property actually received in pledge, and a person shall not ask or receive a higher rate of interest or discount on any such loan or on any actual or pretended sale or redemption of personal property.
Full Breakdown
Lyon County Code section 5.05.02 bars anyone from doing business as a pawnbroker without a Board-issued permit, applied for on forms from the Clerk's office after a Sheriff character check and joint Board-Sheriff hearing. Section 5.05.03 conditions issuance on a $500 surety bond covering compliance with state, federal and county law; a pawnbroker who wants to accept motor vehicles as pledged collateral needs an additional autopawn permit backed by a second $500 bond, plus a third bond of $10,000 tied specifically to environmental protection and nuisance compliance.
Dealers must keep a Sheriff-supplied activity sheet on every pledge (date, borrower details, item description down to watch and jewelry markings, amount loaned, pawn ticket number) under section 5.05.04, file a daily transcript with the Sheriff before midnight, and report suspected stolen property immediately. Section 5.05.06 bars removing pledged property for four days after it is reported to the Sheriff, and requires holding all pledged property for redemption at least 120 days. Section 5.05.07 caps interest at 10% per month plus an initial charge of no more than $5, and requires a printed receipt itemizing principal and interest paid. Peace officers may inspect premises for stolen property without a warrant, day or night, under section 5.05.08.
Violations & Fines
Section 5.05.09 makes failure to comply with Chapter 5 cause for revocation of the business license or a $500 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bond does a Lyon County pawnbroker need?
How much interest can a pawnbroker charge in Lyon County?
How long must pledged items be held before they can be sold?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lyon County
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