Bloomington, Indiana: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a solicitor license from the city controller before working as a solicitor in the city (4.16.030). Solicitation includes going on private or public property to take orders for goods or services for future delivery or performance, or to sell and deliver on the spot (4.16.010). A license cannot be transferred to another licensee (4.16.110). The code does not say outright whether each rep needs their own license.
• Where it comes from: The City of Bloomington controller, with a completed application filed at least fourteen days before starting (4.16.040).
• Fee: By license length: One Day $25.00, Three Day $30.00, Seven Day $50.00, Thirty Day $75.00, Three Month $150.00, Six Month $200.00, One Year $350.00 (4.16.060). A minimum $25.00 application fee is credited toward the license if granted; on denial the city keeps $20.00 (4.16.070). Honorably discharged veterans still need the license but pay no fee (4.16.060(c)).
• Hours you may knock: No solicitor may be in a residential neighborhood or building between the hours of dusk and 8:00 a.m. unless a resident invited them (4.16.140).
• What the rep carries: The license, shown to any person who asks to see it (4.16.120).
• What takes the time: File at least fourteen days ahead (4.16.040); the controller issues within fourteen days of a complete application, and silence after fourteen days counts as a denial (4.16.100). The application must come with proof of Indiana Secretary of State business registration, an employer identification number (4.16.050), an Indiana-resident registered agent (4.16.040(i)), a signed indemnity, and a liability insurance certificate naming the city: personal injury $100,000.00 per occurrence and $300,000.00 aggregate, property damage $25,000.00 per occurrence and $50,000.00 aggregate (4.16.090).
• Code: Bloomington Municipal Code, Title 4, Chapter 4.16 — Solicitors (4.16.010 to 4.16.160), adopted by Ord. 15-05 in 2015. Municode shows the code codified through Ordinance No. 2026-14, passed June 10, 2026 (Supp. No. 50).
• Worth knowing: No soliciting in a neighborhood or on property with a "no solicitation" sign or similar (4.16.130(e)). No repeating a pitch after the person objects, and no coming closer than three feet until they show interest (4.16.150(e)). Soliciting without a license carries a $2,500.00 fine for a first offense (4.16.160). The definition excludes anyone exempted under Ind. Code 8-1-34-30 (4.16.010); that statute was not read for this card.
• Read it yourself: Bloomington Municipal Code, Chapter 4.16 — Solicitors · Bloomington Code of Ordinances — landing page · checked 22 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether each rep needs a separate solicitor license or one license covers a company's team
• Whether the insurance certificate and indemnity can be the company's, covering all reps
• Whether reps for a video or broadband provider fall under the Ind. Code 8-1-34-30 exemption the code mentions

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________