Gaithersburg, Maryland: door-to-door solicitor permit

Partly read: the permit answer is sourced, but the fee or the hours could not be read from the city’s own pages. The clerk questions below cover the gap.

• The answer: Yes for goods — a certificate of registration from the city manager before going house to house or door to door (16-3). Soliciting covers taking orders for goods or for services to be performed in the future (16-1), but the chapter exempts "any person selling or offering for sale a service unconnected with the sale or offering for sale of goods" (16-2(g)). Whether a service sale with installed equipment counts as unconnected is not answered in the code.
• Where it comes from: The office of the city manager, which takes the application and the fee (16-4(a)).
• Fee: The code sets no dollar amount: the fee is established by resolution of the mayor and city council, to cover processing, for both original and renewal certificates (16-4(b)). The city's licensing pages could not be read (the site refused automated access), so the current amount is not on this card. A $1,000.00 bond may be required — see Worth knowing.
• Hours you may knock: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day; residents may set appointments at other times (16-2.1).
• What the rep carries: The certificate, in the rep's possession at all times and prominently displayed so customers can see it (16-5(c)(1)). The rep gives every buyer a signed written receipt showing the goods ordered, price, cash paid, balance due and terms (16-5(c)(5)).
• What takes the time: An application with a copy of a state ID, the company's name and address, a description of what is sold, a statement of any prior certificates, revocations and convictions, a sample order or receipt form, and one passport-type photo (16-4(a)). The city manager may investigate identity, prior business dealings and character (16-4(d)) and need not issue to anyone convicted of any crime (16-5(a)). No processing time is published.
• Code: Gaithersburg City Code, Chapter 16 — Peddlers, Hawkers and Solicitors (16-1 to 16-7). Municode shows the code codified through Ordinance No. O-07-26, adopted June 1, 2026 (Supplement 52, Update 1).
• Worth knowing: A rep selling goods or services not delivered right away may be required to file a cash bond, corporate bond or letter of credit of $1,000.00 with the city (16-4(e)). No entering where a no-soliciting sign is posted without consent, and leave promptly when told to (16-5(c)(3), (4)). Certificates expire one year after issuance and are not transferable (16-5(b), (c)).
• Read it yourself: Gaithersburg City Code, Chapter 16 — Peddlers, Hawkers and Solicitors · Gaithersburg Code of Ordinances — landing page · checked 23 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• The current registration fee set by resolution, and whether it is per rep or per company
• Whether a rep selling a service such as fiber internet, with equipment installed later, falls under the 16-2(g) exemption for services unconnected with the sale of goods
• Whether the $1,000.00 bond in 16-4(e) is being required of door-to-door service companies
• How many business days the city manager's review takes

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________