Pawnbrokers in Minneapolis must hold a city license, charge fees within state-capped limits, and electronically transmit every pawn transaction to police through the Automated Pawn System on the day of receipt.
Title 8, Chapter 282 of the Minneapolis Code regulates pawnbrokers as high-risk businesses. Operators must obtain a city license, post a surety bond, and pass a background check. Every loan or purchase transaction must be reported through the Automated Pawn System the day items are received, including digital photographs and unique identifiers. State law (Minn. Stat. Chapter 325J) caps pawnshop service fees and interest, sets minimum redemption periods, and requires written tickets. Minneapolis layers on zoning controls limiting pawnshop locations and concentration. Items must be held for a minimum number of days before resale.
Skipping APS reporting, shortening hold periods, or charging fees above state caps can trigger administrative fines, license suspension, and criminal charges under both city ordinance and Chapter 325J.
See how Minneapolis's pawnbrokers rules stack up against other locations.
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