FAQs • Puyallup, WA • CivicEngage

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Common License Questions

1. I would like to start a business. What do I need to do?: - You will need to contact the Washington State Business Licensing Service for your state licensing requirements. This department will register your business name. You may contact them at 360-705-6741 or visit https:dor.wa.gov - You will need to determine if you are located within the city limits or reside within Pierce County. If you are within Puyallup city limits you will have to obtain a local license. Business License applications can be found in the "Business" section.
Business Licensing Service

2. I am a contractor doing business in Puyallup. How do I get my license?: Please visit the Washington State Business License Services at https://dor.wa.gov/ or call them at 360-705-6741.

3. I am a subcontractor. Do I need a license?: Each business must have their own license.

4. How long will it take for my license to be issued?: Licenses are typically issued within 2 weeks after application submission.

5. How long is my license good for?: You need to renew your business license annually. BLS will send renewal notices six weeks prior to license expiration.

6. How will I know when to renew my license?: Renewal forms are mailed out six weeks prior to the license expiration date. Licenses that are expired and not renewed after 120 days of the expiration date will be closed.

7. I recently sold my business. Do I need to notify you?: Notification to the Business License Services allows us to update the business license database indicating the status of your business. They can be contacted at 360-705-6741.

8. I recently opened a second business location. Do I need to notify you?: Yes. Licenses are issued by location and a separate license is required for each location.

10. I want to have a parking lot sale. Do I need to apply for a permit?: Sales in parking lots are classified as temporary sales and the applicant will need to complete a temporary stand application. These applications are submitted to the City Clerk's Office, reviewed by the Planning Department as well as Central Pierce Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal for regulation compliance. For your convenience use this link to the
temporary stand application.

11. How long can I operate a temporary stand?: Temporary stands are allowed for a period of up to 30 days per year per site.

12. Where can I set up my temporary stand?: Temporary stands may only be located on commercially zoned property.

13. I want to operate a stand outside the fairgrounds during the fair. Do I need a license?: Yes. All vendors need to submit a temporary stand application. The deadline for applications for the September Washington State Fair is August 31st.

14. I want to have a stand inside the fairgrounds during the Puyallup Fair. Do I need a license?: No, not if your stand is located inside the fairgrounds. For more information please call 253-845-1771 or visit their website.

15. I want to park cars on my property during the fair. Do I need a license?: If you park 15 or more cars at a time you will need to pay the $37.50 application fee for a Special License for Fair Parking (PDF).

16. I want to have a stand at the Farmer's Market. Do I need a license?: No. The Farmer's Market is managed by the Main Street Association. For more information please call 253-840-2631 or visit their website.

17. I want to have a stand at Meeker Days. Do I need a license?: No. The Main Street Association also manages Meeker Days Festival vendors. For more information please call 253-840-2631 or visit their website.

18. I want to sell food/ice cream from my vehicle. Do I need a license?: Mobile food sales require a mobile food vendor license. This license takes approximately ten working days to process and requires a background check. The cost is $50 per calendar year. All mobile food vendor licenses expire on December 31st. Please view our Mobile Food Vendor Application (PDF).

19. I want to go door-to-door selling merchandise. Do I need a license?: Door to door sales require a solicitor's license. This license takes approximately ten working days to process and requires a background check. The cost is $50 per year. All solicitor's licenses expire on December 31st. For your convenience use this link to the Solicitor's License Application.

20. I have a group of individuals that I would like to go door-to-door selling for me. Do I need a license?: Individual companies are not required to be licensed, however, each company representative who intends to sell within the city limits will need to obtain a solicitor's license issued through the City Clerk's Office.

21. I want to pass out flyers or samples. Do I need to apply for a permit?: Yes. This type of activity requires a bill poster/sample distributor license. The fee is $10 per day (per person) and takes 24-48 hours to process. Please view our bill poster/sample distributor application (PDF).

22. I want to have a garage sale. Do I need a permit?: No, but garage sales are limited to 4 weekends per year.

23. I make arts & crafts type items at home for sale at the Crafter's Mall, Bazaars, etc. Do I need a business license?: No, as long as you have no retail sales from your home.