How long does a pawn shop keep my item before selling it?

The pawn shop holds your item for the full loan term listed on your pawn ticket, plus any grace period required by state law or offered by the shop. During that time, the item is stored and should not be sold as long as the loan is active or renewed.

Loan terms and grace periods vary by state and by shop. Some states require the shop to send a notice before forfeiture, while others do not. If you renew the loan by paying the interest and fees due, the clock generally starts over.

If you are unsure when your item will be forfeited, call the shop with your ticket number and ask for the exact last day to pay. Keep your ticket in a safe place, since you usually need it, along with ID, to redeem your item.