Apply for a Valet Parking Company License

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

2. Make sure you follow the valet company requirements

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

You must have a list of all employees with current and valid Michigan Driver’s licenses. This does not need to be submitted with your application, but must be available upon request. You'll need this info for every employee:

Names
Addresses
Dates of Birth
Current Driver's License Numbers

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

You may only operate out of licensed valet locations. Make sure the business where you will be operating is in possession of the required fixed location or special event license before operating.

3. Gather your information

You'll need liability insurance for $1,000,000. We'll ask you to upload a copy of the certificate of insurance in the online application. Don't have a copy? Don't worry. You can check the option to have your insurance agent send the certificate. Make sure to list the City of Grand Rapids on the policy as additionally insured.

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 recommend reviewing the Valet Company License Checklist(PDF) for more details.

4. Have your payment ready

There is a $337 license application fee for valet companies. The fee for renewal applications is $170. Application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

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

5. Complete the application

Complete the form online

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

Download the application

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

Download Application in English

Mail or drop off your completed application

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

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.

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.

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 valid through the season.

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

7. Renew your license

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.