Sparks, NV Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual pawnbroker fee
- $2,000 plus $1/$1,000 over $10,000 receipts
- Autopawn license fee
- $200 annually
- Interest cap
- 6%/month, max $5 initial charge
- Minimum hold period
- 120 days before resale
- Daily report deadline
- Before 10:00 a.m., except Sunday
- Abandonment trigger
- 60 days without an open business
- Investigating agency
- Sparks Police Department
Summary
Anyone operating a pawnbroker or autopawn business in Sparks must hold a city license under SMC Chapter 5.32. The Sparks Police Department investigates and fingerprints owners and 10%+ stockholders, and the city council grants or denies the license. Annual fees run $2,000 for pawnbrokers and $200 for autopawns, plus $1 per $1,000 of gross receipts above $10,000.
It is unlawful for any person within the city to engage in or conduct, in or upon any premises in the city, the business of a pawnbroker or autopawn without first having obtained a license as provided in this chapter and chapters 5.12 and 5.16, as applicable.
Full Breakdown
16. 030). 040 disqualifies anyone convicted within the preceding five years of a felony, a fraud-related crime, larceny, embezzlement or moral turpitude against an employer, unlawful drug distribution, or a pawn-industry law violation, along with anyone under eighteen or associated with organized crime. 070). 080). 100). 120(J)). 140).
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 5.32 is a misdemeanor. Section 5.32.120 separately makes it unlawful for a licensee, clerk or employee to skip a required record entry, falsify a record, destroy or remove the transaction book, refuse a police inspection, misreport to the chief of police, fail to report suspected stolen property, release pledged goods within fourteen days of that report, accept goods from a minor or an intoxicated or known-thief customer, or charge more than six percent monthly interest. A license is also subject to suspension or revocation under Section 5.32.135 and Section 5.16.020, with an administrative or judicial appeal available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sparks require a special license to run a pawnshop?
How much interest can a Sparks pawnbroker charge?
How long must a Sparks pawnshop hold an item before selling it?
Can the city take away a pawnbroker's license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sparks
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