Winston-Salem, North Carolina: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a door-to-door commercial solicitation license, plus a city-issued photo identification badge for every rep working under it (38-34(d)). The license is issued in the applicant's name and lists every authorized solicitor and supervisor; each of them is background-checked.
• Where it comes from: The City revenue collector issues the license and badges. The Winston-Salem Police Department reviews each criminal history check and tells the Revenue Department who is eligible (38-34(d), (g)(4)).
• Fee: "An application fee of $25.00" goes in with the application (38-34(f)(3)). The code ties the fee to the application, not to each rep. Renewal is $25.00 and a replacement badge is $25.00 (38-34(i)(3), (j)(2)).
• Hours you may knock: No door-to-door solicitation "Before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs first" (38-34(m)(4)). That limit applies to commercial and noncommercial solicitors alike.
• What the rep carries: The identification badge, displayed "on the front of his/her person and on the outside of his/her clothing at all times," and a copy of the license to show any officer, customer or prospect who asks (38-34(n)).
• What takes the time: Apply at least 15 business days before you want to start; the city decides within 15 business days of a complete application (38-34(f)(1), (h)). Every rep and supervisor needs a criminal background check, a physical description and a photo taken within the last six months (38-34(f)(1)g, (g)). Adding a rep later: badge within five business days of a written request (38-34(i)(3)).
• Code: Winston-Salem City Code 38-34, the "Winston-Salem Door-to-Door Solicitation Ordinance," and 38-28 (peddling hours). Municode reads "Codified through Ordinance No. 25-0471, enacted January 5, 2026. (Supp. No. 102)".
• Worth knowing: No solicitor of any kind may enter or stay on premises posted "no solicitation" or "no trespassing" (38-34(c)). The license is good for one fiscal year; renew at least 30 days before it expires, with fresh background checks (38-34(j)). The application asks for the last three cities or counties where you worked and proof of good standing with the North Carolina Secretary of State (38-34(f)(1)). A violation is a class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.00 (38-34(r)).
• Read it yourself: Winston-Salem City Code 38-34, Door-to-door solicitation · checked 18 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down: Is the $25.00 application fee per company license, or charged again for each rep's badge? Who runs the background check and is there a separate charge for it? Which dates does the city's fiscal-year license run from and to? Clerk’s name ______________   Direct line ______________   Date called ______________