Cincinnati, Ohio: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: It depends on what the rep does at the door. A peddler, meaning anyone who goes "from door-to-door" selling or carrying goods for sale, needs a peddler license and an identification card from the city treasurer (839-1-P, 839-5). But the chapter says it does not apply to "Bona fide sales of goods, wares or merchandise by samples for future delivery" (839-3(b)), and the peddler definition lists goods and commodities, not services. The code has no separate solicitor or canvasser permit.
• Where it comes from: The city treasurer issues the license and the numbered photo identification card. A company can apply on behalf of each rep; the license is then in the company's name and carries the rep's name and ID card number (839-9).
• Fee: "The minimum license fee for engaging in the trade or business of peddler shall be $150 for a minimum period of one year" (839-7), one license per peddler. Moving an ID card to a different rep costs $15.00, and a lost card costs $25 to replace (839-9, 839-10).
• Hours you may knock: Chapter 839 sets no door-to-door knocking hours. Its only clock rule is for street sales on public property (839-11(p)), and its residential time limit is for selling from vehicles (839-15).
• What the rep carries: The identification card "shall be worn conspicuously and affixed to the outer garment of the peddler at all times" (839-5).
• What takes the time: Two photographs of each peddler taken within 30 days before applying (839-9). The city's application form is sworn before a notary and asks for each person's arrests and convictions. The code gives no processing time and does not mention a background check.
• Code: Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 839, Peddlers and Itinerant Vendors; Chapter 827, Consumer Sales and Contracts. Municode reads "Codified through Ordinance No. 0223-2026(Emer.), effective June 17, 2026. (Supp. No. 48, Update 4)".
• Worth knowing: Cincinnati has its own home solicitation sale rule for credit sales made at the buyer's residence: the buyer can cancel "until midnight of the third business day" after signing, and the agreement must carry a "BUYER'S RIGHT TO CANCEL" statement (827-3, 827-5). Peddling without a license is a third-degree misdemeanor and goods are forfeited on conviction (839-99).
• Read it yourself: Cincinnati Municipal Code Ch. 839, Peddlers and Itinerant Vendors · Cincinnati Municipal Code Ch. 827, Consumer Sales and Contracts · City of Cincinnati Peddler's License Application (PDF) · checked 18 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: Does a rep who only signs up services or takes orders for later delivery need the peddler license? Is the $150 peddler fee in 839-7 still the amount the Treasurer charges? How long does the Treasurer take to issue the license and ID card? Does the city enforce posted "No Soliciting" signs under any ordinance? Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________