Racine, Wisconsin: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes for anyone going place to place on foot or by vehicle carrying goods to sell — a street vendor license, otherwise known as a hawker or peddler license (22-531). The section speaks of goods, wares or merchandise; it does not mention taking orders for services. Every rep also wears a city photo ID badge (22-534).
• Where it comes from: The Racine City Clerk, on the Clerk's prescribed forms (22-532(a)). The Hawker/Peddler application is posted on the Clerk's Misc Licenses page.
• Fee: The code leaves the fee to the council's fee schedule (22-533, 22-534). The city's current application lists a moving permit by foot at $35.00, good for one year from issue, plus a $10.00 identification badge. A $50 late fee applies to an application filed inside the 2-week processing period, $75 inside 1 week.
• Hours you may knock: Article XVII sets no knocking hours.
• What the rep carries: A city identification badge displayed in a prominent place on the person, with the rep's photo, name, address, license type and dates; the licensee applies for a badge for each employee (22-534). A personal photo ID on the person (22-531).
• What takes the time: Apply to the clerk at least 14 days before selling (22-532(a)); the application says approximately 2 weeks for processing. Proof of a valid Wisconsin seller's permit goes with it (22-531).
• Code: Racine Municipal Code, Chapter 22, Article XVII — Street Vendors (22-531 to 22-538), retitled from "Hawkers and peddlers" in 2017. Municode shows the code codified through Ordinance No. 0082-26, adopted March 3, 2026 (Supp. No. 108).
• Worth knowing: Students and 501(c)(3) youth groups fundraising for their school or group are exempt (22-537). No solicitor, canvasser or no-knock sign chapter turned up in Chapters 22, 66 or 82.
• Read it yourself: Racine Municipal Code, Chapter 22, Article XVII — Street Vendors · City of Racine Clerk — Misc Licenses · City of Racine Hawker's and Peddler's (Street Vendor) Application · Racine Code of Ordinances — landing page · checked 22 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Whether a rep taking orders for a service (internet, solar, pest) with nothing carried to sell needs the street vendor license
• Whether each rep needs a separate $35.00 license or only a $10.00 badge under the company's license
• Whether the city sets any knocking hours outside the code

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________