Missouri City, Texas: 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 — a registration certificate, plus an identification card for each individual listed on it (18-333(a)(1)-(2), 18-354(a)). A solicitor is anyone in a temporary or transient business selling, soliciting or taking orders for goods or services, including peddlers (18-331). Selling on a property owner's express prior invitation is exempt (18-332(a)). Article IV was rewritten by Ord. No. O-26-07, adopted Feb. 16, 2026.
• Where it comes from: The city secretary, on the city's registration statement form; every listed rep shows his driver's license or other ID to the city secretary in person (18-351).
• Fee: The code leaves the registration fee to council resolution, on file in the city secretary's office, and makes it nonrefundable (18-352). The fee schedule could not be read: the city website blocked the reader. Up to five ID cards come with the certificate at no extra charge; more cost a fee set by resolution (18-354(c)). A $1,000.00 surety bond per applicant goes with the application (18-359).
• Hours you may knock: No soliciting between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. (18-334).
• What the rep carries: The laminated photo ID card, clipped to the clothing in plain view while working (18-355). The card states "THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, DOES NOT ENDORSE THESE ACTIVITIES" (18-354(a)).
• What takes the time: The city secretary issues or denies within ten working days after the applicant fully complies (18-353(a)). The statement needs 2x2 photos and ID details for every rep, the state sales tax number, the last four communities worked, corporate good-standing papers, vehicle details, and each person's convictions (18-351). The certificate runs no more than 90 days; renewal means a new registration statement (18-351, 18-353(c)).
• Code: Missouri City City Code, Chapter 18 — Businesses, Article IV — Solicitors (18-331 to 18-359). Municode shows the code codified through Ordinance No. O-26-15, enacted May 14, 2026 (Supp. No. 28).
• Worth knowing: Minimum fines are one hundred dollars for a first conviction, two hundred fifty for a second within 24 months and five hundred for a third (18-333(c)). The bond stays in force for the certificate's term and two years after (18-359). Chapter 18 Article IV sets no "No Soliciting" sign rule.
• Read it yourself: Missouri City City Code, Chapter 18, Article IV — Solicitors · Missouri City Code of Ordinances — landing page · checked 22 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• The current solicitor registration fee set by council resolution, and the fee for ID cards beyond five
• Whether one $1,000.00 bond covers the company or one is needed per rep
• Whether the city secretary can process a full team in fewer than ten working days

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________