North Las Vegas, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, before any pawnbroking (5.38.030)
- Origination fee
- $25,000 one-time, new licensees (5.38.070)
- Semi-annual fee
- $400 (5.38.070)
- Late penalty
- 10% then 35%; revoked after 60 days
- Reinstatement assessment
- $500 plus unpaid fees/penalties
- Hold before removal
- 30 days after police report (5.38.190)
Summary
North Las Vegas treats pawnbroking as a privileged, highly regulated business: a city license, a police-run background check, and a one-time $25,000 origination fee are all required before a pawnshop can open under Chapter 5.38.
It is unlawful for any person to conduct a pawnbroking business in the city without first obtaining and thereafter maintaining a valid, unexpired license pursuant to this Code. ... All new pawnbroker licensees shall pay a one-time origination fee in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00). ... The semi-annual fee for each pawnbroker licensee shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 146 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
030 makes it unlawful to conduct a pawnbroking business without a valid, unexpired city license, and a pawnbroker license alone does not authorize selling unredeemed merchandise: that requires a separate secondhand dealer license. 070 sets a one-time $25,000 origination fee for new pawnbroker licensees plus a $400 semi-annual fee; late payment draws a 10% penalty, rising to 35% if unpaid after 15 days, with automatic revocation if unpaid after 60 days (reinstatement then costs the delinquent fee, penalties, and a $500 reinstatement assessment). 050). 140). 200). 230).
Violations & Fines
Chapter 5.38 does not set a distinct penalty section, but license discipline is explicit: violating the chapter, state pawnbroker law (NRS Ch. 646), or other city ordinances is grounds for the city council to deny, suspend, or revoke a pawnbroker license in its sole discretion (5.38.010(C)-(D)). Taking pledges from a minor, an intoxicated person, or a known thief (5.38.160), or employing a minor to receive pledges (5.38.170), is separately declared unlawful, and the pawnbroker remains liable for employees' violations (5.38.180).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a pawnshop in North Las Vegas?
Can a North Las Vegas pawnbroker also sell unredeemed items?
How long must a North Las Vegas pawnbroker hold pawned property before selling it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Las Vegas
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