Rio Rancho, New Mexico: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a solicitation permit from the City Clerk, plus a city-issued badge worn conspicuously. It is unlawful for anyone 18 or older to peddle or solicit in the city without a permit issued by the Clerk (113.03). A "solicitor" is anyone who goes on a private residence or place of business uninvited to take or try to take orders for goods for future delivery or for services to be performed in the future (113.02) — that is a fiber, solar or security rep. The business behind the reps must also hold a current city business registration.
• Where it comes from: The Office of the City Clerk, 3200 Civic Center Circle NE. The Clerk forwards the application to the Director of Public Safety for review, then issues the permit and the badge (113.07, 113.10).
• Fee: The Clerk's own solicitation packet prints the schedule: a twelve-month fee of $50.00, a background check fee of $10.00 per solicitor, and a solicitor permit fee of $10.00 per solicitor. The application form on the back of that packet states it as a 12 month Term ($50) plus a Solicitor fee ($20) that covers the background check and the permit fee together. The code itself sets no number — 113.06 leaves the fee to the Clerk, to vary with the term of the permit.
• Hours you may knock: Homes: 9:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M., as the Clerk's guidelines print it. Businesses: 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. The code writes the same rule the other way round — no knocking at residences between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., and none at places of business between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. (113.14). Those hours bind a canvasser too, even though a canvasser needs no permit (113.03(D)).
• What the rep carries: The badge the Clerk issues with the permit, worn so it is conspicuous at all times while soliciting or peddling (113.10(A)). The permit itself is exhibited on request of any person solicited, any prospective customer, or a department officer (113.11). Nobody but the permittee may use or wear that permit or badge (113.12).
• What takes the time: Report to the Clerk's Office at least five business days before working. The Clerk acts on an application within five business days of receipt, and an application not approved inside that window is deemed denied (113.07(E)). A background check runs on every solicitor, and the badge is picked up only after it comes back approved. Each applicant files proof of date of birth and identification, the employer's details with written credentials, a seven-year criminal statement and a five-year civil-judgment statement, and two passport-sized photographs taken within 60 days (113.05). The employer authorization page has to be signed by an official listed on the business registration the city already has on file, or the application is denied.
• Code: Rio Rancho Municipal Code Chapter 113, Peddlers and Solicitors (113.01 to 113.99, Ord. 06-66). The code host states it includes legislation through 12-12-2024. Fees and the application come from the Clerk's Solicitation Permit Packet.
• Worth knowing: A posted "No Peddlers," "No Solicitors," or similar sign at or before the entry makes entry unlawful, for canvassers as well as sellers (113.13). A permit runs only for the term requested, never more than one year (113.09). The Clerk may refuse a permit over a conviction within seven years for moral turpitude, sexual assault or molestation, violence, theft, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, or acts committed while peddling or soliciting — or over a fraud-based civil judgment within five years (113.08). A sponsor's permit and sponsor-issued ID are required for any sales force including anyone under 18 (113.04). The city grants no endorsement with the permit and a rep may not claim one (113.17).
• Read it yourself: Rio Rancho Municipal Code Chapter 113 — Peddlers and Solicitors · City of Rio Rancho Office of the City Clerk — Solicitation Permit Packet · Rio Rancho Code of Ordinances, table of contents · checked 20 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• Is the $50.00 twelve-month fee charged once per company or once per rep?
• How long does the background check take after the packet and fees are in?
• What does the city need to see to confirm the business registration is current?

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________