Torrance, California: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes. Anyone acting as a canvasser or solicitor in Torrance — going door to house taking or attempting to take orders for the sale of goods or services — needs a license (34.1.1, 34.1.2).
• Where it comes from: Torrance Municipal Code Division 3, Chapter 4, Article 1 (Canvassers and Solicitors). Applications go through the License Supervisor, with approval from the Chief of Police (34.1.4).
• Fee: $100 per year for each person acting as a canvasser or solicitor, or, if a company licenses itself, $865 plus $32 for each person representing that licensee as canvasser or solicitor in the City (34.1.1).
• Hours you may knock: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. — the code bars ringing a bell or knocking after 9:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m. (34.1.5).
• What the rep carries: The code does not spell out a carry-in-the-field requirement for commercial solicitors, but the application process issues a license certificate or identification card with the applicant's photo attached (34.1.4).
• What takes the time: Fingerprints, a one-inch photo, a record of convictions, five years of employment history, and three personal references, plus Chief of Police sign-off before a license issues (34.1.4).
• Code: Torrance Municipal Code 34.1.1 through 34.1.9 (canvassers and solicitors); 34.1.6 (no-soliciting signs).
• Worth knowing: A sign reading "No Trespassing," "No Peddlers," "No Advertisement," "No Canvassers" or "No Solicitors" at a door bars a rep from knocking there unless a household member already invited them (34.1.6).
• Read it yourself: Torrance Municipal Code Chapter 4 Solicitors · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: Whether the $100 per-person tax or the $865 + $32 company tax applies to our team; How long the background check and license issuance take; Whether a badge or ID card must be worn while knocking. Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________