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
Make sure you qualify: Your valet provider will need to operate out of an existing loading zone if you do not have a drop-off/pick-up location on private property. Make sure there is a loading zone available by checking our Online Map.
NOTICE TO NEIGHBORING BUSINESSES
You need to let all businesses within a City block of your desired valet zone know of your intent to apply for a license. You must give this notice at least 10 days before you submit your license application.
You'll have to upload proof that you issued this notice with your application.
LOCATION REQUIREMENTS
We have pre-designated valet location zones. You can see the available pre-designated zones on our Valet Location Map. Additional fees apply if you propose adding a new location to the map. If you're proposing a new location, make sure you Apply for a Loading Zone before applying for this license.
Make sure you have a detailed map of the drop-off/pick-up location and driving routes. We'll ask you to upload a copy of the map with your application.
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, 195KB) . We'll ask you to upload a copy of your plan with your application.
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
You'll need to provide a list of all participating businesses with your application. An owner or manager from each participating business will need to provide a signature of approval. We'll ask you to upload a copy of your completed Participating Businesses Attachment(PDF, 249KB) when you submit your license application.
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.
NEW LICENSE FEES
There is a $551 application fee if you are applying for a new license. If you’re requesting to add a new location to the map, the fee will be $711 instead. Application fees are non-refundable.
RENEWAL LICENSE FEES
The fee for renewal applications is $206. Application fees are non-refundable.
ADDITIONAL FEES
After we approve your application, Parking Services will assess additional fees. You'll pay these fees for the use of the zone.
Accepted Payment Methods
Mailed Payments
IN PERSON PAYMENTS
- Cash
- Check
- Money order
- Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)
Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 4 for accepted payment methods.
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 valid through the season.
Make sure to keep a copy of your license in prominently displayed.
All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.