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

OMC 5.10.010 makes it unlawful in the City of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington, to act as a solicitor without first obtaining an occupational permit under Chapter 5.10. The same section requires a business license under OMC 5.02 for anyone engaging in business in the City. Under OMC 5.10.020(K), a solicitor is any person, as a principal or agent, who goes from door to door, or from place to place and enters upon any private property within the City and sells or takes orders for goods, services, or the making or repairing of any article, or seeks contributions or donations.

Applications go to the Olympia Police Department on City forms (OMC 5.10.030). The applicant attests to the truthfulness of the application and submits a government-issued photo identification, proof of authority to work if not a U.S. citizen, and payment in full of permit fees. OMC 5.10.200 adds solicitor-specific requirements: the nature of the goods, wares, merchandise, repair, manufacturing or services offered (or the purpose for which contributions will be sought) and a description of any vehicle used. If scales, weights or measures are used in selling, the applicant files a State Department of Weights and Measures certificate showing they were tested and found accurate immediately before the application.

Every applicant consents to fingerprinting for a state and nationwide background check at initial application and every third year (OMC 5.10.045). The Police Department endeavors to finish its review within ten working days (OMC 5.10.040). An outstanding warrant is cause for denial, and a felony conviction is not the sole reason for denial unless it was within the past ten years and directly relates to the occupation. The city manager sets the fee under OMC 5.10.050. Permits are valid for the calendar year of issue, are non-transferable, and renewal is solely the holder's responsibility. OMC 5.10.070 honors solicitor permits issued by Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm. Under OMC 5.10.210 the permit must be exhibited at all times in plain view while soliciting or canvassing in the City.