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Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Des Moines's Soliciting & Door-to-Door: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles soliciting & door-to-door a little differently. In Des Moines, Iowa, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Solicitor Permits

Des Moines requires all peddlers and solicitors to obtain a city license before conducting business. Applicants must submit a written application, pass a state criminal background check, be fingerprinted and photographed by police, and post a $1,000 surety bond.

Key details: License required: Yes – before any soliciting. License terms: 30-day or 90-day. Background check: Iowa DCI, within 30 days. Surety bond: $1,000 required. Fingerprinting: Required by DMPD, at cost to applicant.

Soliciting without a license is a municipal offense subject to fines. The license may be revoked for violations of city ordinances or state law.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Des Moines actively enforces its solicitor permits requirements.

No-Knock Registry

Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 78 makes it unlawful for peddlers or solicitors to approach any property displaying a visible 'No Soliciting' or 'No Peddling' sign. All solicitors must be licensed; door-to-door activity is restricted to 8 a.m.–9 p.m.

Key details: Allowed hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM. No-knock trigger: Posted 'No Soliciting' sign. License required: Yes, plus refundable bond. Key section: Ch. 78 § 78-111.

Soliciting at a posted 'No Soliciting' property is a misdemeanor. Additional penalties include license revocation and bond forfeiture for repeat or serious violations.

The Bottom Line

Des Moines's soliciting & door-to-door rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Des Moines is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Des Moines can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.