Costa Mesa, California: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a peddler/solicitor permit ID card from the Costa Mesa Police Department, per rep. The code says each and every person going house to house to peddle or solicit shall first obtain an identification card from the chief of police (9-132). The application also needs a copy of a Costa Mesa business license, per the Police Department's permit page.
• Where it comes from: The Costa Mesa Police Department front desk: the application forms are available there and the completed forms and fee are turned in there, per the city's Peddler / Solicitor Permit page. Questions: (714) 754-5281. LiveScan appointments: (714) 754-5033.
• Fee: A non-refundable permit application fee of $75.00 plus a non-refundable LiveScan fee of $32.00 for the fingerprint records check, cash or check, per the Police Department's permit page. Both are per rep the first time. A renewal lists the $75.00 application fee only. The code leaves the amount to a council resolution (9-122). The business license is a separate cost and was not read.
• Hours you may knock: None found. The Commercial Peddling/Soliciting article (9-131 to 9-133) and the Police Department's permit page carry no clock times.
• What the rep carries: The peddler/solicitor permit ID card, which the city's page says must be displayed on the person when soliciting. It is valid for up to one year.
• What takes the time: The whole process: the city's page says approximately 2 – 6 weeks, and temporary permits are not available. Each rep brings two passport type photos, a copy of a government issued ID and a copy of the Costa Mesa business license, then books a LiveScan appointment.
• Code: Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter II, Article 2, Commercial Peddling/Soliciting (9-131; 9-132; 9-133); 9-114; 9-122; 9-130.
• Worth knowing: A person with an established route — a bona fide customer list of no less than 10 names and addresses in the city, with at least 10 of them serviced in the preceding quarter — is exempt from the police permit requirement of section 9-130 (9-133). The city's page says persons soliciting for non-profit organizations get their permit from the City Hall Finance Department instead.
• Read it yourself: City of Costa Mesa Police: Peddler / Solicitor Permit · Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter II, Article 2, Commercial Peddling/Soliciting · Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter II, Article 1, Generally · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether the city sets knocking hours anywhere
• The business license cost for an out-of-town door-to-door sales company
• Whether the company can submit applications for several reps at one front desk visit

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________