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

If you live in Nashville or are thinking about moving there, soliciting & door-to-door are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Nashville has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of soliciting & door-to-door, and some of them might surprise you.

Solicitor Permits

Commercial door-to-door solicitors must get a permit and photo ID badge from the Metro Clerk, pass a criminal background check, and pay a nonrefundable fee before knocking on doors anywhere in Davidson County.

Key details: Permit issuer: Metropolitan Clerk. Permit duration: Two years. Allowed hours: Sunrise to 7 p.m. or sunset. Penalty: $50 per day per violation. Screening: Criminal background check required.

Soliciting without a valid permit and badge, entering a posted 'No Solicitation' property, or knocking outside allowed hours draws a $50-per-day penalty per violation, plus permit suspension or revocation by the clerk.

This is one of the stricter rules in Nashville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

No-Knock Registry

Residents can add their address to Metro Nashville's no-solicitation list, banning door-to-door commercial sales for two years, and all commercial solicitors need a clerk-issued permit and ID badge, limited to daylight hours.

Key details: Registration length: 2 years. Takes effect: 30 days after filing. Permitted hours: Sunrise to sunset or 7 p.m.. Penalty: $50 per day per violation. Exempt groups: Religious, charitable organizations.

Soliciting a registered no-solicitation address, working without a clerk permit and badge, or knocking outside daylight hours carries a $50-per-day civil penalty per violation under § 6.64.180.

This is one of the stricter rules in Nashville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Nashville is tougher than many cities when it comes to soliciting & door-to-door. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Nashville, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Nashville 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.