Renton, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

RMC 6-17-2(A) requires every pawnbroker to keep a bound (not loose-leaf) record book, in ink, listing for each transaction the date, employee's name, seller's name, date of birth, address, physical description, a copy of government-issued photo ID, the property owner's address, a detailed item description including serial numbers with one item per line, price paid, pawn ticket number, and witness names. RMC 6-17-3(A) requires pawnbrokers to furnish the Chief of Police a full transcript of the prior day's transactions before noon each business day, and to report any property reasonably believed lost or stolen.

RMC 6-17-5 bars removing purchased or pledged goods from the shop for 30 days after receipt unless the Police Department has inspected and approved release in writing. RMC 6-17-6(A) prohibits pawnbrokers from taking pledges or purchases from anyone under 18, intoxicated persons, habitual drunkards, drug addicts, or known thieves or receivers of stolen goods, and requires consulting the Police Department's "Do Not Buy From" list (such as LeadsOnline) before completing a transaction; that list constitutes prima facie evidence of knowledge of a person's disqualifying conviction. on Saturdays and from December 15 to December 25 each year.