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Reno, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

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

Key Facts

First-year license
Annual, then quarterly renewal
Auto pawn
Requires separate additional license
Redemption hold
90 days minimum before resale
Citywide cap
One license per 15,500 residents
Enforcer
Reno Police Department

Summary

Pawnbrokers in Reno need an annual license the first year and a quarterly license after that, plus a separate auto pawn license to accept vehicle titles as collateral, under Reno Municipal Code Chapter 5.08.

Every person engaged in, or proposing to engage in, the business of a pawnbroker in the city shall obtain an annual license during the first year of operation and a quarterly license thereafter. Every person engaged in, or proposing to engage in, the business of a secondhand dealer or antique dealer in the city shall obtain an annual license.

Source: Reno Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

The Reno Police Department enforces Chapter 5.08: pawnbrokers must get an annual license the first year of operation, then renew quarterly, plus a separate auto pawn license before accepting a vehicle or its title as collateral (Sec. 5.08.020, Sec. 5.08.030). Licenses are nontransferable without a city council vote (Sec. 5.08.113), and pledged property must be held at least 90 days before resale (Sec. 5.08.100). New pawnbroker licenses are capped downtown under the redevelopment plan and citywide at one per 15,500 residents (Sec. 5.08.110, Sec. 5.08.120).

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of Chapter 5.08 is punishable under the general penalty section 1.04.010, and the city can separately sue in civil court to recover unpaid license fees (Sec. 5.08.130).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Reno limit how many pawnshops can open?
Yes. Sec. 5.08.120 sets a citywide target of one pawnbroker license per 15,500 residents, and Sec. 5.08.110 bars new licenses in the downtown redevelopment area.
Can a pawnbroker license be sold to someone else?
Only with Reno City Council approval. Sec. 5.08.113 makes pawnbroker licenses nontransferable without a council vote and a new bond.

Sources & Official References

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All Reno rules

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