Apply for a Special Event Valet License

Do you want to offer valet service for a special event? If you have to use City property for your drop-off/pick-up area, or your valet service has to make use of City streets, you will need this license. We’ll walk you through the steps.

Online Form

Step 1.Check your eligibility

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

  • Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
  • Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Apply to reserve parking meters if you need them

If you need to use parking meters for your drop-off/pick-up location you will need to reserve them with the Parking Services department in addition to obtaining this license: Reserve Parking Meters.

Step 3.Gather your information

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Your pick-up and drop-off locations should use existing loading zones when possible. If you have questions about a specific location give us a call. Our number is in the Contact Us section of this page.

Valet Parking Plan

You'll need to provide a valet parking plan. The valet company you're contracting will need to sign the plan to indicate that they will follow it. You'll need to complete the Valet Parking Plan Attachment(PDF, 340KB). We'll ask you to upload a copy of your plan with your application.

Make sure to include a detailed map of the drop-off/pick-up location and driving routes with your plan.

Have questions?

Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We have some resources to make sure you have everything you need before starting your application. If you're applying to add a new valet location to our map, make sure you thoroughly review the map addition checklist.

Special Event Valet License Checklist(PDF, 180KB)

Step 4.Have your payment ready

New License Fees

There is a $501 application fee for licenses. Application fees are non-refundable.

If you already applied for your license but need to add another date, give us a call. Our info is in the Contact Us section of this page. You'll need to submit an updated parking plan for each date. You'll also pay an additional $46 for each date you add.

Step 5.Complete the online application

We use a third party system called Citizen Access for business license applications. If this is your first time using this system, it's a good idea to learn How to Create a Citizen Access Account.

Your application might take some time. That's why we recommend that you gather all the required information first.

Apply in English

Step 6.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know that your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is good for one year from when it is issued.

 

Make sure to keep a copy of your license in prominently displayed.

Paper Form

Step 1.Check your eligibility

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

  • Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
  • Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Apply to reserve parking meters if you need them

If you need to use parking meters for your drop-off/pick-up location you will need to reserve them with the Parking Services department in addition to obtaining this license: Reserve Parking Meters.

Step 3.Gather your information

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Your pick-up and drop-off locations should use existing loading zones when possible. If you have questions about a specific location give us a call. Our number is in the Contact Us section of this page.

VALET PARKING PLAN

You'll need to provide a valet parking plan. The valet company you're contracting will need to sign the plan to indicate that they will follow it. You'll need to complete the Valet Parking Plan Attachment(PDF, 340KB). We'll ask you to upload a copy of your plan with your application.

Make sure to include a detailed map of the drop-off/pick-up location and driving routes with your plan.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We have some resources to make sure you have everything you need before starting your application. If you're applying to add a new valet location to our map, make sure you thoroughly review the map addition checklist.

Special Event Valet License Checklist(PDF, 180KB)

Step 4.Have your payment ready

NEW LICENSE FEES

There is a $501 application fee for licenses. Application fees are non-refundable.

If you already applied for your license but need to add another date, give us a call. Our info is in the Contact Us section of this page. You'll need to submit an updated parking plan for each date. You'll also pay an additional $46 for each date you add.

Accepted Payment Methods

Mailed Payments

  • Check
  • Money Order

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 5.Download the application

Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.

Download Application in English

Step 6.Mail or drop off your completed application

Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 4 for accepted payment methods.

Step 7.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know that your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is good for one year from when it is issued.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license in prominently displayed.

Step 8.Renew your license

We use a standard licensing year of July 1 through June 30 for all businesses. Your license will expire on June 30 regardless of when you apply. The fees are also the same no matter when you apply during the year.

Phone

Step 1.Make sure we're open

Our office hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. We are out of the office on public holidays.

Step 2.Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your business license.

In Person

Step 1.Check your eligibility

You are eligible if you have a valid driver's license and don't owe money to the City. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

  • Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
  • Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415

Step 2.Apply to reserve parking meters if you need them

If you need to use parking meters for your drop-off/pick-up location you will need to reserve them with the Parking Services department in addition to obtaining this license: Reserve Parking Meters.

Step 3.Gather your information

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Your pick-up and drop-off locations should use existing loading zones when possible. If you have questions about a specific location give us a call. Our number is in the Contact Us section of this page.

VALET PARKING PLAN

You'll need to provide a valet parking plan. The valet company you're contracting will need to sign the plan to indicate that they will follow it. You'll need to complete the Valet Parking Plan Attachment(PDF, 340KB). We'll ask you to upload a copy of your plan with your application.

Make sure to include a detailed map of the drop-off/pick-up location and driving routes with your plan.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We have some resources to make sure you have everything you need before starting your application. If you're applying to add a new valet location to our map, make sure you thoroughly review the map addition checklist.

Special Event Valet License Checklist(PDF, 180KB)

Step 4.Have your payment ready

NEW LICENSE FEES

There is a $501 application fee for licenses. Application fees are non-refundable.

If you already applied for your license but need to add another date, give us a call. Our info is in the Contact Us section of this page. You'll need to submit an updated parking plan for each date. You'll also pay an additional $46 for each date you add.

Accepted Payment Methods

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money order
  • Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 5.Visit our office to apply

Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 4 above.

Step 6.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We'll call or email you to let you know that your license is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we'll mail it to you. Your license is good for one year from when it is issued.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license in prominently displayed.

Step 7.Renew your license

We use a standard licensing year of July 1 through June 30 for all businesses. Your license will expire on June 30 regardless of when you apply. The fees are also the same no matter when you apply during the year.