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

Chapter 5.22 of the Lacey Municipal Code makes it unlawful to act as a solicitor without first obtaining an occupational permit. Section 5.22.020(K) defines a solicitor as a person who, as principal or agent, goes from door to door or from place to place and enters upon private property in the City of Lacey to sell or take orders for goods, services, or the making or repairing of any article, or to seek contributions or donations.

Applications go to the City Police Department on city forms and are sworn under penalty of perjury. Applicants submit a signed application, a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification, proof of authority to work in the U.S. if not a citizen, and payment in full of all permit fees. The form asks for five years of prior residences and employment history. Solicitors also describe the goods or services offered or the purpose of any contribution drive, describe any vehicle used, and file a State Department of Weights and Measures certificate if scales, weights or measures are used (§ 5.22.130).

Every applicant consents to fingerprinting. Washington State Patrol and FBI checks run at initial application and every third year while the permit is held continuously, and the fee includes nonrefundable background check and fingerprinting charges (§ 5.22.050). The Police Department endeavors to finish its review within ten (10) working days, and an outstanding warrant is cause for denial (§ 5.22.040).

Permits are valid for the calendar year of issue, cannot be transferred, and fees are not prorated. Renewal opens after October 1st, and the holder alone is responsible for renewing (§ 5.22.060). Lacey honors solicitor permits from Olympia, Tumwater, and Yelm when their ordinances are substantially the same (§ 5.22.080). Under § 5.22.140 the permit must be exhibited in plain view and shown to any police officer or person solicited on request.

Section 5.22.150 exempts advance appointments set at the customer's request, unpaid fund-raising for bona fide school, church, political or non-profit activities, youth under the age of 18 seeking lawn, child care or other occasional part-time work, and charities registered under Chapter 19.09 RCW with a current copy on file with the City Clerk.