Charlotte secondhand dealers and pawn shops must register transactions with CMPD through the LeadsOnline reporting system, hold goods for a state-mandated waiting period, and verify seller identity to help recover stolen property.
Under NCGS Chapter 66 Article 38 (pawnbrokers) and Article 45 (secondhand goods), Charlotte regulates pawn shops, gold buyers, and used-merchandise dealers in coordination with state law. Dealers must obtain a Charlotte privilege license, maintain transaction logs photographing each item, record seller name, address, and government ID, and upload daily reports to CMPD via LeadsOnline. Items must be held a minimum of 15 days before resale or melting to allow theft recovery. Pawnbroker interest rates and fees are capped by state statute. CMPD's Property Crimes unit reviews flagged transactions and may seize stolen goods.
Failure to upload daily reports, accepting goods without ID, melting jewelry before the holding period, or charging excess pawn fees prompts privilege-license revocation, state penalties, and possible accessory charges.
See how Charlotte's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
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