Vancouver, Washington: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes. A solicitor/peddler permit and license, per person. It is unlawful for any peddler, solicitor or canvasser to work in the city without one (5.50.010), and "solicitor" covers taking orders house to house for goods or for services to be performed later (5.50.020). The city says each rep applies individually, and the company hiring them must hold a city business license.
• Where it comes from: Vancouver Municipal Code Chapter 5.50, Peddlers, Solicitors and Canvassers. The code routes the application through the city clerk with a police chief investigation (5.50.040, 5.50.050); today the city's special licenses page sends the 2026 application to City of Vancouver Business Licensing at City Hall, 415 W 6th St.
• Fee: For 2026 the city charges $20.56 per person for a first-time license and $71.96 for a renewal, nonrefundable. The code's base figures are a $20.00 registration fee that counts as the first year's license fee (5.50.040) and $70.00 per year (5.50.060), both raised every January 1.
• Hours you may knock: Not published. Chapter 5.50 sets no knocking hours.
• What the rep carries: The license, which carries the rep's photograph and signature (5.50.050), shown at the request of any citizen (5.50.070).
• What takes the time: A criminal background check run by the city by email, two 2 x 2 passport-quality photos taken within 60 days, and a police chief investigation before the permit issues (5.50.050). The code also asks for fingerprints and two character references (5.50.040). No processing time is published.
• Code: Vancouver Municipal Code 5.50.010 to 5.50.140. Fee sections last amended by Ord. M-4482, 2024.
• Worth knowing: Every annual license expires December 31 of the year issued, whenever it was bought (5.50.120). The company must hold an active city business license before its reps solicit, per the application form.
• Read it yourself: Vancouver Municipal Code Chapter 5.50 · City of Vancouver Business and Special Licenses page · 2026 Solicitor/Peddler Permit/License Application · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: How long is the background check taking right now? Are fingerprints still required, or only the emailed background check? Are there set hours for door-to-door sales anywhere else in the code? Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________