Yakima, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Pawnbrokers (2026)
Key Facts
- Bond required
- $1,000, city-attorney approved
- Minimum license term
- 1 year, nontransferable
- Property hold period
- 30 days before resale
- Violation class
- gross misdemeanor
Summary
Yakima pawnbrokers must obtain a city license backed by a $1,000 bond before opening, on top of the standard business license.
No person shall engage in the business of a pawnbroker in the city of Yakima without first procuring a license therefor, and in order to procure a license he or she shall present to the city an application which shall contain the name of the applicant, the place where he or she proposes to conduct his or her business, the name under which the same shall be conducted, the names of persons interested in the business, if a copartnership or corporation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under YMC Chapter 5.54, anyone operating as a pawnbroker in Yakima, defined broadly to include secondhand stores that loan money against pledged personal property, must apply to the city for a license and post a $1,000 bond approved by the city attorney conditioned on complying with city and state law. The license is nontransferable and issued for at least one year, subject to revocation by the city manager. Pawnbrokers must also keep a detailed transaction register (customer ID, item description, price paid) open to police inspection, and hold pledged property at least 30 days. Violations are gross misdemeanors.
Violations & Fines
Operating as a pawnbroker without the license, or violating the register/reporting/holding requirements, is a gross misdemeanor under YMC § 5.54.100; the license can also be revoked by the city manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Yakima pawnbroker license be transferred to a new owner?
How long must a Yakima pawnbroker hold pledged property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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