D2D glossary / Rules and paperwork
What is a solicitor permit for door-to-door sales?
Solicitor permit: A solicitor permit is a license a city or county issues that allows a person to sell door to door there. Many cities require one for each rep, often with an application, a fee and a background check.
There is no national door-to-door license. Each city writes its own rule, so the permit, the fee, the hours and even the name (solicitor, peddler, canvasser, transient merchant) change at every city line. Some cities require nothing beyond an ID.
Where a permit is required, knocking without it can mean a citation for you personally. Reputable companies file and pay for permits before a rep's first day. Our city pages list the rule and its source for each city we have checked.
Ask before you sign
Which cities in my territory need a permit, and who files and pays for it?
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Solicitor permit: quick answers
What is a solicitor permit for door-to-door sales?
A solicitor permit is a license a city or county issues that allows a person to sell door to door there. Many cities require one for each rep, often with an application, a fee and a background check.
What should I ask a company about permits?
Ask this before you sign: "Which cities in my territory need a permit, and who files and pays for it?" Get the answer in writing, in the rep agreement or the pay plan.