Federal Way, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Federal Way regulates door-to-door solicitation and peddling under Federal Way Revised Code Title 12 (Business Regulations) to protect residents from fraud and verify the identity of persons going door-to-door. Any person offering goods or services for sale door-to-door, or soliciting orders for later delivery, must obtain a Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant License from the City of Federal Way. The application typically requires government-issued ID, photo, fingerprinting, a criminal history background check through the Washington State Patrol WATCH system, proof of a current Federal Way business license (or the employer's license) with state UBI, and the permit fee. Recent felony convictions or fraud-related convictions can disqualify an applicant. Approved solicitors receive a photo ID badge that must be worn visibly and presented on request. Solicitation hours are generally restricted to daytime and early evening (typically 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier) Monday through Saturday, and solicitors must immediately leave any property displaying a No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign. Religious, political, and charitable non-profit canvassing is exempt from the permit requirement under First Amendment case law (Watchtower v. Stratton, 2002) but canvassers should carry identification. Report unpermitted solicitors to Federal Way Police at 253-835-2121. For application details, contact the Permit Center at 253-835-2607.