Huntsville, Alabama: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes. Every commercial solicitor needs a solicitor’s permit before soliciting at a residence (18-8(a)). A company can file one master permit application that covers each of its reps (18-8(b), 18-9(b)). The permit includes a copy of the city business license, so the company needs that first.
• Where it comes from: The city clerk-treasurer issues the permit (18-9, 18-10). The city’s Solicitation License page lists the Finance Office, City Hall 3rd floor, 305 Fountain Circle, as the contact.
• Fee: Not published. The code sets a non-refundable application fee “in an amount to be determined by the city clerk-treasurer” (18-9(g)). The city’s Solicitation License page and the application form do not print the amount.
• Hours you may knock: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., any day. The limit binds a solicitor whether or not a permit was issued, unless the occupant invited you (18-5).
• What the rep carries: The permit, with the copy of the city business license, carried and shown on request, plus the city photo identification tag worn in a conspicuous place the whole time (18-8(a), 18-10(c)).
• What takes the time: Per rep: government photo ID, two photos at least 1.5 x 1.5 inch taken within the last 60 days, vehicle details, and a sworn certification that no disqualifying factor exists (18-9(c), (e)). The police chief and clerk-treasurer may investigate the application (18-9(e)(2)). The code gives no processing deadline. A permit runs no longer than 12 consecutive months (18-10(f)).
• Code: Huntsville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 18, Article I, Residential Solicitation: 18-3, 18-5, 18-6, 18-8, 18-9, 18-10 (Ord. No. 12-60). Municode shows the version as Sep 9, 2026 (current).
• Worth knowing: A “No Solicitation” or “No Trespassing” sign bars all soliciting at that home, and the rep has a duty to look for it first (18-3). A commercial solicitor under 16 must be within 100 feet and in sight of a supervisor who is at least 19 (18-6). Permits are not transferable (18-10(d)).
• Read it yourself: Huntsville Code Chapter 18, Peddlers and Solicitors · City of Huntsville, Solicitation License · Residential Solicitation Permit Application (PDF) · checked 18 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: The application fee per solicitor and whether a master permit costs extra; The fee for a replacement photo identification tag; How many days the clerk-treasurer takes to issue a permit; Whether the business license must be in hand before the permit application is accepted. Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________