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Public Vehicle Permit

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Public Vehicle Permit

Public Vehicle Information

The City of Ketchikan requires all sightseeing tours operating within the City to apply for a public vehicle permit, Ketchikan Municipal Code 5.42.052 PUBLIC VEHICLES 

Click on image to download brochure

How to apply:

  • Complete the Public Vehicle Application   2026 Public Vehicle Application
  • The City Clerk’s Office at City Hall can notarize applications   
  • $30.00 to engage in the public vehicle business, plus a fee of $50.00 for each vehicle operated under a certificate
  • Register and be current with sales tax https://www.kgbak.us/449/Sales-Taxes
  • Ensure there are no outstanding tickets on any vehicles
  • Complete public vehicle inspection on each vehicle by one of the approved mechanics:
  • Return all completed documents to the City Clerk’s Office, allow one week for processing.
  • Upon completion of application you will receive a window sticker that must be displayed in the window of the vehicle and a certificate.

Important Information

  •  Ordinance No. 23-1978 updated the Ketchikan Municipal Code, Public Vehicles - Sightseeing Vehicle certificate. A few important changes to note:
    • - Vehicle inspection reports must be turned into the Clerk's office within 10-days of being issued.
    • - Liability insurance for sightseeing vehicles is $1,000,000.
    • - All sightseeing vehicles shall bear on the passenger and driver side of the vehicle the business name and telephone in two inches in height.

Port Vehicle Access Permit
The City of Ketchikan Port & Harbors Department requires all vehicles utilizing the Port to obtain a port access pass, Ketchikan Municipal Code 13.08.155 PORT USE. Please obtain a public vehicle permit from the City Clerk's office before reaching out to Port & Harbors for a port pass. Contact Port & Harbors at (907) 228-5632 for more information.

Ketchikan Museums – Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center
The City of Ketchikan operates the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center and can offer tours to one, or both facilities.
Contact the Ketchikan Museums administration directly to discuss tour operations and pricing at (907) 225-5900 or erikac@ktn-us.ak

City of Saxman
City of Saxman owns and operates the Saxman Native Village.
Contact the City of Saxman directly at (907) 225-4166 x 1 for tourism agreement.

Totem Bight State Historical Park
The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation operates the Totem Bight State Historical Park.

Ketchikan Visitors Bureau
The Ketchikan Visitors Bureau offers a variety of services to their membership and manages the Tourism Best Management Practices program.
Membership Information
Tourism Best Management Practices

Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce is to advocate and educate on behalf of members to promote a healthy business climate that recognizes both Ketchikan’s quality of life and its economic potential.