Solicitor Permits: Madison vs Middleton
How do solicitor permits rules compare between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI?
Madison and Middleton have similar restriction levels.
Madison, WI
Dane County
Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Madison must obtain a Direct Seller license under MGO Chapter 9. Applications require ID, background information, and a fee. Religious and political canvassers are exempt under First Amendment protections.
View full Madison rules →Middleton, WI
Dane County
Madison MGO §9.06 (Direct Sellers) requires peddlers and transient merchants to obtain a Direct Seller permit from City Clerk with background check, photo ID badge. WI Stat. §100.65 also regulates direct sellers. Religious, political canvassing exempt under First Amendment.
View full Middleton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Madison | Middleton |
|---|---|---|
| License | Direct Seller (MGO Ch 9) | - |
| Issuer | City Clerk | - |
| Hours | 9 AM to 7 PM typical | 9 AM to sunset typical |
| Religious/Political | Exempt (First Amendment) | - |
| No Soliciting Signs | Must be honored | - |
| Madison Code | - | MGO §9.06 |
| WI Stat | - | §100.65 3-day cancel |
| Background | - | Required |
| Exempt | - | Political/religious |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Madison FAQ
Do I need a permit to sell door-to-door in Madison?
Yes. Commercial door-to-door sellers must obtain a Direct Seller license from the City Clerk under MGO Chapter 9.
Does the permit apply to political canvassers?
No. Political, religious, and charitable canvassing are protected First Amendment activities and do not require a commercial license.
Middleton FAQ
Do Jehovah's Witnesses need a Madison permit?
No. Religious canvassing is protected under Watchtower Bible v. Stratton (2002). MGO §9.06 applies only to commercial sellers. Same for political campaigners.
What's the 3-day cancel rule in Wisconsin?
WI §100.65 gives buyers 3 business days to cancel in-home sales over $25. The seller must provide written cancellation notice. Applies to door-to-door commercial sales.
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