Seattle, Washington: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes. The company takes out a residential sales license, then gets a residential seller’s agent identification for each rep (6.260.040, 6.260.090). A rep working on behalf of a licensee does not need a separate license of their own (6.260.040(C)). “Residential seller” includes anyone who contacts people at home to sell or to set appointments for a future sale of goods or services (6.260.010).
• Where it comes from: City of Seattle regulatory licensing. The code names “the Director,” and the bond is filed with the City Clerk (6.260.060). The city’s Business Regulations page lists the license.
• Fee: Annual, per the License Fee Ordinance: residential seller $163; residential seller having one or more employees $237; residential seller’s agent card $53 (6.204.030). The company license plus one agent card per rep. The city’s page shows the same $237 and $53 and says half-year licenses are available.
• Hours you may knock: Eight in the morning to nine at night. It is unlawful to “sell before eight (8:00) a.m. or after nine (9:00) p.m. of any day” without the buyer’s specific prior consent (6.260.050(C)).
• What the rep carries: The license or agent license, displayed conspicuously on outer clothing while selling (6.260.100). On contact the rep must at once give their name, company and the product or service, and leave immediately if asked (6.260.110).
• What takes the time: The surety bond and the criminal record check. The bond names the licensee and all agents; the Director sets the amount by assessing risk to the public, so the code gives no figure (6.260.060). The application includes a criminal record check (6.260.070). No processing time is published.
• Code: Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.260 (Residential Sales); fees at 6.204.030 (Ord. 125449, 2017). Municode shows the version dated Jul 15, 2026 as current.
• Worth knowing: Licenses and agent licenses all expire May 31 (6.260.030). The license is good only for the product or service endorsed on it (6.260.080). A “no peddlers” or “no solicitors” sign bars the attempt unless the occupant invites it (6.260.050(D)). Every sale of $10.00 or more needs a signed receipt with the city’s three-business-day Notice of Cancellation form attached (6.260.120). Exempt from the license: an agent acting as a peddler on behalf of a regulated utility, and orders filled from outside Washington State (6.260.040(D), (E)).
• Read it yourself: Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.260, Residential Sales · Seattle Municipal Code 6.204.030, Residential sellers (fees) · City of Seattle, Business Regulations · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: What bond amount will the Director set for our product, and what bond form do you accept? How is the criminal record check done for out-of-state reps, and who pays for it? How long from application to agent cards in hand? Does our service count as a “regulated utility” under 6.260.040(D)? Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________