Elgin, Illinois: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a peddler or solicitor permit from the city, plus a badge issued with it. It is unlawful to peddle or solicit in the city without a permit from the chief financial officer (6.45.020). A solicitor is anyone going place to place uninvited to take orders for goods for future delivery or for services to be performed in the future (6.45.010).
• Where it comes from: The city's chief financial officer, on the city's form. Each completed application is routed to the chief of police and the public works director for review (6.45.050, 6.45.060). The city's Solicitor Permit page takes the application.
• Fee: The code sends the fee to the city's fee ordinance and puts the background check cost on the applicant (6.45.080). The city's Solicitor Permit page lists a $46.00 non-refundable application fee, and asks for a fingerprint background check from a state-listed vendor attached to the application; the vendor's charge is not published by the city.
• Hours you may knock: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and not at any time on Sunday. The section binds a peddler or solicitor whether licensed or unlicensed (6.45.140).
• What the rep carries: The city badge, worn so it is conspicuous at all times while soliciting (6.45.100), and the permit, shown to any prospective customer or city employee who asks (6.45.110). Nobody but the permittee may use or wear the permit or badge (6.45.120).
• What takes the time: The application must be filed no earlier than sixty (60) days and no later than ten (10) days before the solicitation, with proof of age, address and identity, employer credentials, criminal and fraud-judgment history, and three recent photographs (6.45.050). The city decides within seven (7) days of a completed application (6.45.060). The city page asks for a fingerprint background check before applying; one done in the last 3 months is accepted.
• Code: Elgin Municipal Code, Title 6, Chapter 6.45 — Peddlers and Solicitors (6.45.005 to 6.45.180), last amended by Ord. No. G2-25 of 2-12-2025.
• Worth knowing: Permits expire ninety (90) days from issuance (6.45.090). A rep may not enter residential premises posting a "No Solicitors or Peddlers" card, licensed or not, and must leave at once when the occupant asks (6.45.130). A felony, misdemeanor or ordinance violation involving fraud, theft, burglary, a sex offense, drug trafficking or violence within five years can block the permit (6.45.070). Applicants must be 16 or older; younger sellers need a sponsor permit (6.45.030).
• Read it yourself: Elgin Municipal Code, Chapter 6.45 — Peddlers and Solicitors · City of Elgin — Solicitor Permit · City of Elgin — Solicitor Permit Rules and Regulations (PDF) · checked 21 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether the $46.00 fee is per rep or can cover a crew
• Whether the permit can be renewed for another 90 days without a new background check
• Whether a replacement badge carries a separate fee, and how much

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________