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Winston-Salem, NC Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required
before starting the business
Daily records due
to police by 5:00 p.m.
Photo ID required
for every pledgor
Bond required
under G.S. 66-399
Penalty
set by G.S. 66-396

Summary

Pawnbrokers in Winston-Salem must obtain a city license before lending against pledged goods, post a bond, verify every pledgor's photo ID, and furnish a daily transaction record to the police chief.

Every person engaging or offering to engage in the business of lending money on the security of pledged goods and who may also purchase merchandise for resale from dealers and traders shall first obtain a license from the city. The requirements for licensure shall be as set forth in G.S. 66-390.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102 | Personnel: Supplement 96 | Water and Sewer: Supplement 56 | Solid Waste: Supplement 15).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 34-19 requires anyone lending money on pledged goods, or buying merchandise for resale from dealers and traders, to hold a city license under the licensure standards of G.S. 66-390. Pawnbrokers must post a bond per G.S. 66-399, keep stock arranged for inspection, and refuse any pledge unless the pledgor shows photographic identification, recording the driver's license state and number when that is the ID used. A computerized daily record of the prior business day's transactions must reach the police chief at the public safety center by 5:00 p.m. or close of business each day.

Violations & Fines

Violating any part of § 34-19 subjects the pawnbroker to the penalties set out in G.S. 66-396, the state pawnbroker statute's enforcement provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Winston-Salem pawnbrokers need a city license?
Yes. Code § 34-19(a) requires anyone lending money on pledged goods, or buying resale merchandise from dealers and traders, to obtain a city license first, per G.S. 66-390's licensure requirements.
What records must a Winston-Salem pawnbroker keep?
Under § 34-19(c), a computerized daily record of the prior day's pawn transactions must be furnished to the police chief by 5:00 p.m. or close of business.
Can a pawnbroker accept pledges without ID?
No. Section 34-19(e) makes it unlawful to buy or take in pawn any article from someone who has not shown photographic identification proving age and identity.

Sources & Official References

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