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Permit rules by city

Do you need a permit to sell door to door in Seattle, WA?

Short answer: Yes. Seattle requires a residential sales license for anyone who contacts people at home to sell goods or services. The city lists an agent license at 53 dollars a year and a business license at 237 dollars a year. No selling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and wear the license on your outer clothing.

Permit required?Yes. It is unlawful to work as a residential seller without a residential sales license (section 6.260.040). A residential seller is anyone who initiates contact with consumers at home to sell, or to set appointments for a future sale of, goods or services. A person selling on behalf of a licensee works under that license with an agent identification card. Agents of a regulated utility and sellers of newspapers or fresh food are exempt.
NameResidential sellers license (regulatory license under Seattle Municipal Code chapter 6.260, Residential Sales)
FeeAgent license: 53 dollars a year. License for a business with one or more employees: 237 dollars a year. Licenses expire May 31, and the city lists a half-year license option for both.
What you needA criminal record check with the application, and a surety bond in an amount the city sets, covering the licensee and all of its agents. The license is endorsed with the product or service sold and is valid only for that. A licensee gets an agent identification card for each person who sells for it.
Hours you may knockNo selling before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on any day without the buyer's specific prior consent (section 6.260.050).
No Soliciting signsYes. It is unlawful to try to gain admittance to sell at a residence posted "no peddlers", "no solicitors" or similar words, unless the occupant invites you or consents (section 6.260.050).
Carry or wear it?Yes. Licensees and agents must conspicuously display the license or agent license on their outer clothing while selling (section 6.260.100).
City codeSeattle Municipal Code chapter 6.260 (Residential Sales), sections 6.260.010 to 6.260.120

You must give your name, company and product as soon as you make contact, and leave at once if asked (section 6.260.110). Every sale of 10 dollars or more needs a signed receipt or contract carrying the three-business-day cancellation notice (section 6.260.120). Questions go to Seattle Business Regulations, 206-386-1267.

What to do before you knock in Seattle

Sources

Checked 2026-11-06 against the sources above. Cities change these rules; confirm with the city before you start. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Seattle door-to-door questions

Do you need a permit to sell door to door in Seattle?

Yes. Seattle requires a residential sales license for anyone who contacts people at home to sell goods or services. The city lists an agent license at 53 dollars a year and a business license at 237 dollars a year. No selling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and wear the license on your outer clothing.

What hours can you knock doors in Seattle?

No selling before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. on any day without the buyer's specific prior consent (section 6.260.050).

Do No Soliciting signs count in Seattle?

Yes. It is unlawful to try to gain admittance to sell at a residence posted "no peddlers", "no solicitors" or similar words, unless the occupant invites you or consents (section 6.260.050).

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