Ky. Rev. Stat. § 226.040 (2026)

transaction recording service accessible to law enforcement -- Information to be included in register -- State officers may inspect -- Holding period before resale -- Release of stolen property to law enforcement.

(1) Every pawnbroker shall keep a register of all loans and purchases of all articles by the pawnbroker from the general public. The register shall:

(a) Be reported to an online, Internet-based transaction recording service accessible to law enforcement agencies;

(b) Show the dates and the amounts of all loans or purchases by the pawnbroker from the general public, and the names and:

1. A driver's license number;

2. Another state or federally issued picture identification card number; or

3. If the identification specified in subparagraph 1. or 2. of this paragraph is not available, a Social Security number may be accepted; of all persons who have left any property that has been pawned or sold;

(c) At all times be available to the inspection of any law enforcement officer of this state when in the discharge of his or her official duty; and

(d) Contain a full description of all property purchased by the pawnbroker from the general public or received on deposit as collateral or security. When requested by law enforcement and pertaining to an investigation, a photograph of the merchandise shall be made available to law enforcement if the property is still in the possession of the pawnbroker. For purposes of this paragraph, "full description" includes but is not limited to:

1. Make;

2. Model;

3. Color;

4. Size;

5. Manufacturer;

6. Vintage; and

7. Distinguishing marks or characteristics.

(2) When secondhand merchandise is sold to a pawnbroker, the merchandise shall be held for a minimum of twelve (12) days before being resold.

(3) Prior to the release of property to a representative of law enforcement, the law enforcement representative shall provide to the pawnbroker a case report or other documentation that the item has been reported as stolen. Effective: July 14, 2018 History: Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 15, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2018. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. sec. 3790.