Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 5.36 requires pawnbrokers and secondhand goods dealers to license with the city, log every transaction in the LeadsOnline pawn database, hold goods five days, and accept only valid government ID.
Under LMC 5.36, pawnbrokers, used merchandise dealers, scrap metal recyclers, and precious metal buyers must hold an annual Lincoln business license issued through the City Clerk and approved by LPD. Licensees must record every transaction with seller's photo ID, fingerprint scan, and item description into the LeadsOnline electronic reporting system within 24 hours. Items must be held in unaltered condition for five days minimum to allow LPD stolen-property checks. Catalytic converter purchases require additional documentation under Nebraska §69-2403 anti-theft law.
Failure to log transactions, holding violations, or buying from minors triggers license suspension, criminal misdemeanor citations, and potential receiving-stolen-property charges if linked to thefts.
See how Lincoln's secondhand dealers rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.