Chicago, Illinois: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes for selling goods — a street peddler license, one per individual. The code defines a peddler as any individual who, going from place to place, "whether on private property or on the public way," sells or offers goods, wares or merchandise (4-244-010), and makes peddling without the license unlawful (4-244-030). The definition names goods only. It does not mention a rep who signs up customers for a service and carries nothing to sell, and the code has no separate solicitor or canvasser chapter in Title 4. Put that question to BACP.
• Where it comes from: The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Apply online or at the Small Business Center, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 800, per the city's Street Peddlers and Performers page.
• Fee: $100.00 for a 2-year term, per person (4-5-010(27) and the BACP page). $50.00 for applicants 65 or older, veterans, or persons with a certified disability. An online application carries a $25.00 application fee that is credited toward the license fee (4-5-010).
• Hours you may knock: The peddler chapter sets no hours for knocking on doors. Its only hours rule bars peddling in a public alley between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (4-244-120).
• What the rep carries: A metal badge or shield reading "Chicago Street Peddler," worn conspicuously on the outside of the outer coat while peddling (4-244-100).
• What takes the time: Government photo ID showing the current home address and an Illinois Department of Revenue account number, per the BACP page. The pages read name no background check or bond for this license.
• Code: Municipal Code of Chicago, current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026: Chapter 4-244, sections 4-244-010 (definitions), 4-244-030 (license required), 4-244-060 (fee), 4-244-100 (badges), 4-244-120 (hours), 4-244-140 (prohibited districts); fee in 4-5-010(27).
• Worth knowing: Peddling without the license is a fine of $50.00 to $200.00 per offense, each day counted separately (4-244-030(b)). The city keeps "no Peddling Zones"; BACP says the full list is at the City Clerk's office, and the code lists them in 4-244-140.
• Read it yourself: Municipal Code of Chicago 4-244-010 Definitions · Municipal Code of Chicago 4-244-030 License required · Municipal Code of Chicago 4-244-060 License fee · Municipal Code of Chicago 4-5-010 business license fees · Municipal Code of Chicago 4-244-100 Badges · Municipal Code of Chicago 4-244-120 Hours of business · Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 4-244 (table of contents) · City of Chicago BACP, Street Peddlers and Performers · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: Does a rep who signs up customers for a service door to door, and sells no goods, need the street peddler license? Does the city enforce any hours for knocking on residential doors? Which no-peddling districts in 4-244-140 cover the wards we plan to work? Is fingerprinting required for the street peddler license? Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________