Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Lakewood

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

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required: Before any door-to-door selling or soliciting
License term: One year from issuance
Group cap: 10 solicitors per sponsor per 30 days
Bond: $1,000 individual / $5,000 employer
Background check: Police Chief investigation before issuance
First-offense fine: $500 civil infraction

Summary

Anyone going door to door in Lakewood, Pierce County, to sell goods or services, take orders, or seek donations must first get a City solicitor or peddler license. Licenses run one year, and any single company or sponsor is capped at 10 licensed solicitors working the city in any 30-day period.

A. Any person seeking to engage in business as a solicitor or peddler shall file a written application for such license with the City on a form provided by the City Manager or designee. ... ... C. Each license issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire one year from the date of issuance by the City, unless renewed. ... ... D. The number of solicitors or peddlers who are permitted to solicit or peddle for any one activity, company, entity or sponsor during any 30-day period of time shall be limited to not more than 10 licensed individuals.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).

Full Breakdown

020). 080). 100). 040(C)). 040(D)). 050). 030).

Violations & Fines

Soliciting without the required license or bond is enforceable under Title 5's general penalty provision, LMC 5.02.250: a misdemeanor unless a different penalty applies, and separately a civil infraction carrying a $500 fine for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for a third and each subsequent violation, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. The City may also deny, suspend, or revoke the license for bond, application, or background failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to sell magazine subscriptions door to door in Lakewood?

Yes. LMC 5.56.020 defines anyone who goes place to place taking orders for goods or services as a peddler or solicitor, so you need a City license, a bond, and a completed application reviewed by the Police Chief's office before you start.

How long does a Lakewood solicitor license last?

One year from the date of issuance under LMC 5.56.040(C). It can be renewed, but it lapses if suspended, revoked, or invalidated by a change in the business as defined in LMC 5.02.040.

Is there a limit on how many salespeople one company can send out?

Yes. LMC 5.56.040(D) caps any single activity, company, entity, or sponsor at 10 licensed solicitors or peddlers working in Lakewood during any 30-day period.

Are charity fundraisers exempt from the Lakewood peddler license?

Only if they are unpaid officers or members of an organization exempt under 26 U.S.C. Sections 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) who can show proof of that status and membership, per LMC 5.56.050(C). Paid solicitors for a charity still need a license.

Sources & Official References

[1]Lakewood Municipal Code Chapter 5.56, Solicitors and Peddlers

Other rules in Lakewood

No-Knock RegistrySome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions Environmental Rules: Boat Dock PermitsSome Restrictions

All Lakewood rules

Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington soliciting & door-to-door overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Solicitor Permits in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle solicitor permits.

Tacoma, WA

Significant Restrictions