Seattle, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 19.60
- Interest cap
- 3 percent monthly
- Loan term
- 90 days minimum
- Police hold
- 30 days post-forfeit
- Reporting
- Daily to SPD
Summary
Pawnbrokers in Seattle operate under WA RCW 19.60, capping monthly interest at three percent plus a small fee, requiring 90-day loan terms, daily SPD reporting, and a 30-day police hold on pawned goods before forfeiture and sale.
Chapter 19.60 RCW — PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS. Sections: 19.60.010 Definitions; 19.60.014 Fixed place of business required; 19.60.020 Duty to record information; 19.60.025 Duty to record information — Precious metal property; 19.60.040 Report to chief law enforcement officer; 19.60.042 Report to chief law enforcement officer — Precious metal dealers; 19.60.045 Duties upon notification that property is reported stolen; 19.60.050 Retention of property by pawnbrokers — Inspection; 19.60.055 Retention of property by secondhand dealers — Inspection; 19.60.057 Retention of precious metal property — Inspection; 19.60.060 Rates of interest and other fees — Sale of pledged property; 19.60.061 Pawnbrokers — Sale of pledged property limited — Written document required for transactions; 19.60.066 Prohibited acts — Penalty; 19.60.067 Secondhand precious metal dealers — Prohibited acts — Penalty; 19.60.068 Resale agreement to avoid interest and fee restrictions prohibited; 19.60.075 Regulation by political subdivisions; 19.60.077 Precious metal dealers — Licensure required; 19.60.085 Exemptions; 19.60.095 Precious metal sales — Hosted home parties; 19.60.105 Automated kiosks.
Full Breakdown
RCW 19.60 governs pawn loans statewide. Pawnbrokers may charge up to 3% per month interest plus a preparation fee, with a 90-day minimum loan term and a 90-day grace redemption window. Daily electronic reporting of pledges to local police (LeadsOnline) is required, including item photos, serial numbers, and pledger ID. Forfeited goods must be held thirty additional days before sale so SPD can match against theft databases. Seattle layers a city pawnbroker registration and inspection regime under SMC 6.288 alongside the state license.
Violations & Fines
Charging excess interest, accepting goods without ID, skipping daily reports, selling forfeited items before the 30-day hold, or operating without a license triggers misdemeanor charges, civil penalties, license suspension, and refund liability to borrowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much interest can a pawnbroker charge?
What if I miss my redemption date?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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Pawnbrokers in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle pawnbrokers.