Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a pawnshop in Cheyenne, WY. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Wyoming does not impose corporate income tax or individual income tax. LLCs are not required to file state income tax returns. However, federal income tax obligations still apply. This registration is not required in Wyoming.
All LLCs in Wyoming must pay the annual report and license tax (often called a franchise tax). Filed with the Secretary of State. Due by March 1 each year. Failure to file results in administrative dissolution after July 1.
Many Wyoming municipalities require a local business license or privilege tax. For example, Cheyenne requires a Business License (City Code § 5.04.020), and Laramie County has a Business Personal Property Tax. Contact local clerk's office for specific requirements. No statewide database; must check local ordinances.
Although not a state requirement, EIN is mandatory for federal tax compliance. Apply online via IRS website. Needed for state tax accounts, banking, and payroll.
Pawnbrokers are exempt from federal excise tax on interest from pawn loans under IRC § 4261. However, if the business engages in other taxable services (e.g., transportation, communication), those may be subject. No specific federal excise tax applies solely to pawn transactions. Confirm via IRS Publication 510.
Required for all businesses; pawnshops specifically listed under retail. Check specific city code (e.g., Cheyenne Municipal Code Sec. 5.04).
Not all counties require (e.g., Natrona County defers to cities); verify by county.
Pawnshops classified as "secondhand goods" - special review for proximity to schools/churches (e.g., Casper Code Sec. 17.54).
Required per International Building Code adoption.
Required for all LLC formation in Wyoming. Annual report required separately (see below).
Applies to ALL Wyoming LLCs, not pawnshop-specific.
Specific to pawnshops. Requires criminal background check, proof of surety bond ($10,000 min), and compliance with pawn record-keeping rules (Wyo. Stat. § 7-19-101 et seq.). No exam required.
Applies to ALL businesses using DBA. Renewal every 5 years.
Pawnshops sell goods upon unredeemed pawn. 4% state rate + local rates up to 2%. Applies to most retail businesses.
Pawnshops in Wyoming must collect sales tax on the sale of purchased or repossessed items. Sales tax registration required via Form ST-1. Resale of pawned items is taxable; loan transactions (non-sale) are not. Current state rate is 4%; local rates may add up to 2%, depending on jurisdiction.
Required for all employers who pay wages subject to Wyoming withholding. File Form WH-1 to register. Monthly or quarterly filing required based on liability. Due dates: 15th of the month following the reporting period.
Employers must register using Form UC-1. Tax rate varies by experience rating; new employers pay 2.4%. Quarterly reports (Form UC-8) due by the last day of the month following the quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31).
Size/illumination restrictions (e.g., Cheyenne Code Sec. 17.68).
Pawnshops require safe storage for flammables; local fire dept enforces.
Verifies zoning/building/fire compliance.
Mandatory due to theft risk.
Generally NOT required for standard pawnshops.
Wyoming law requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors and partners are exempt from coverage unless they opt in. Officers of corporations may elect to be excluded. LLC members may be exempt depending on ownership and employment status.
General liability insurance is not required by Wyoming state law for pawnshops. However, landlords, lenders, or municipalities may require it as a condition of leasing or financing. Strongly recommended due to risks of property damage, theft, or customer injury on premises.
Pursuant to WY Stat § 40-14-104, every applicant for a pawnbroker license must file a surety bond in the amount of $5,000, conditioned on compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized in Wyoming.
Wyoming requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage (25/50/20). This applies if the pawnshop owns or leases vehicles used for business purposes.
Not legally required in Wyoming for pawnshops. However, it may be advisable to cover claims of negligence or failure to follow procedures (e.g., wrongful sale of collateral). No state mandate exists.
Not specifically required by Wyoming law for pawnshops. However, if the business sells items (e.g., forfeited collateral), it could face liability for defective products. While not mandated, it is a risk management consideration.
Not required unless the pawnshop holds a liquor license, which is highly unlikely given the nature of the business. No connection between pawnbroking and alcohol sales under Wyoming law.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) does not charge a fee for ADA Title III compliance, but costs may arise from making necessary physical modifications to your Cheyenne pawnshop to ensure accessibility.
The IRS does not charge a fee to obtain an EIN; however, there may be service fees if you use a third-party service to assist with the application process.
The FTC Pawn Industry Rule requires detailed record-keeping of pawned items, proper disclosure of terms and conditions, and adherence to specific appraisal practices to protect consumers.
FTC Consumer Protection and Advertising Compliance, as well as the FTC Pawn Industry Rule, are generally one-time requirements, but you must continually adhere to the regulations.
As an LLC, you’ll need to file federal income taxes, potentially pay self-employment taxes, and comply with IRS regulations regarding record-keeping and reporting, with fees varying based on your income and deductions.
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