Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

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

Key Facts

Licensing agency
Spokane Valley Police Department
License term
Expires December 31 each year
Minimum age
18 years old
Record retention
3 years from last transaction
Redemption hold before sale
90 days
Police stolen-property hold
21 to 120 days

Summary

Spokane Valley requires anyone operating as a pawnbroker to hold a police department-issued license, keep detailed transaction records, and hold pledged property for 90 days before sale. Licensees under 18 are barred outright, and the police department inspects records and enforces compliance.

It is unlawful for any person, association or corporation to operate as a pawnbroker without first obtaining a license pursuant to the provisions of this chapter; provided, that no such license shall be granted or issued to any person under the age of 18 years or to any association or corporation whose managing agent is under the age of 18 years.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020, it is unlawful to operate as a pawnbroker in Spokane Valley without first obtaining a license, and no license may be issued to anyone under 18 years old or to a corporation whose managing agent is underage. 030), meaning every pawnbroker relicenses annually. 040). 050). 060). 100). 120).

Violations & Fines

Violating recordkeeping, reporting, or inspection duties under Chapter 5.20 SVMC is a misdemeanor (SVMC § 5.20.130), covering false entries, destroying required records within the three-year retention period, refusing a police inspection, or receiving property from a minor, an intoxicated person, or a known thief. The Police Department trains pawnbrokers on the chapter and periodically inspects their records for compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues a pawnbroker license in Spokane Valley?
The Spokane Valley Police Department issues pawnbroker licenses under SVMC § 5.20.030, and licenses expire every December 31 regardless of issue date, so pawnbrokers must renew annually to keep operating legally.
How long must a pawnbroker hold pledged property before selling it?
SVMC § 5.20.080 bars selling pledged property until 90 days after the redemption period has expired, giving the original owner a defined window to reclaim their item before it can be liquidated.
What happens if police flag an item as possibly stolen?
Under SVMC § 5.20.100, a verbal police hold prevents release for 21 days and a written hold prevents release for 120 days, and police can renew the written hold for another 120 days by submitting a new request before it expires.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane Valley

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsMassage EstablishmentsSignificant RestrictionsAdult EntertainmentHeavy RestrictionsTowing CompaniesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant Restrictions

All Spokane Valley rules

Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington business licensing & operations overview

Get notified when Pawnbrokers in Spokane Valley, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.