Danbury, Connecticut: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Only if the rep counts as a peddler. Danbury licenses peddlers — anyone going place to place selling, or carrying or exposing for sale, goods, wares or merchandise (26-1(a), (b)) — and each rep working for a licensed peddler also needs an individual police permit (26-1(i)). But the section does not apply to sale on approval, conditional sales, or the taking of orders for merchandise for future delivery when full payment is not required at the time of solicitation (26-1(c)(1)). The section speaks only of goods, wares and merchandise; it says nothing about services.
• Where it comes from: The company's license: application to the Chief of Police, who may authorize the Town Clerk to issue it (26-1(b), (d)). Each agent or employee: an individual permit from the Chief of Police or designee (26-1(i)(1)).
• Fee: Two hundred dollars ($200.00) to the Town Clerk for the peddler's license (26-1(b)), and one dollar ($1.00) for each agent's or employee's permit (26-1(i)(1)). The Town Clerk's fee list shows "Vendors $200.00 + $1.00 each additional person." Before the license issues, the peddler also files a bond of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) with two sureties, or other security approved by Corporation Counsel (26-1(e)). An honorably discharged wartime veteran resident in Connecticut two years pays no license fee (26-1(c)(4)).
• Hours you may knock: The permit or license is valid only between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for initial solicitations (26-1(j)(1)).
• What the rep carries: The license or permit, worn or conspicuously displayed while doing business; the rep gives name, principal's name and permit or license number on request (26-1(j)(1), (5)). A written, signed receipt for every order (26-1(j)(4)). A peddler using a vehicle shows a police-issued windshield sign (26-1(j)).
• What takes the time: Apply at least ten (10) days ahead, by affidavit, with fingerprints, two recent photographs, signature specimen, Social Security number and criminal history; no license or permit issues sooner than ten (10) days after filing nor later than one (1) month (26-1(d), (f), (i)(3), (i)(4)). The company must also appoint the Town Clerk as agent for service of process and show a Connecticut sales and use tax permit (26-1(d)).
• Code: Code of Ordinances of Danbury, Chapter 26 — Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations, Sec. 26-1, Peddlers (last amended by Ord. No. 537, 6-1-1999).
• Worth knowing: An agent's permit is valid only while the licensed peddler is actually present on the premises where the agent is working (26-1(i)(8)). A sale made without strict compliance can be rescinded by the buyer within seven (7) calendar days (26-1(j)(2)). Licenses run until the October 1st after issuance (26-1(h)). The police may refuse a permit to anyone convicted of a crime (26-1(i)(5)).
• Read it yourself: Danbury Code, Chapter 26, Sec. 26-1 — Peddlers · Danbury Town Clerk — Town Clerk Fees (PDF) · checked 21 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether a rep taking orders for a service (fiber, solar, pest, security) with no payment at the door needs the peddler license and agent permit at all, given the 26-1(c)(1) exemption
• Whether the 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. limit applies to exempt order-takers
• Whether the licensed company owner must really be on site with every rep, as 26-1(i)(8) reads

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________