Lake County, IL Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Where it applies
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Registration cost
- Free, with County Clerk
- Solicit hours
- 11 a.m.-7 p.m. only
- Certificate
- Non-transferable, must be carried
- Renewal
- Expires December 31 annually
Summary
Peddlers, itinerant merchants and transient vendors working unincorporated Lake County must register free with the County Clerk, carry a certificate of registration, and give a copy to the Sheriff's Office before soliciting door to door.
It shall be unlawful for any person or business to engage in, or assist in, business as a solicitor for the purpose of soliciting orders, sales, subscriptions, or business of any kind, without first registering with the Lake County Clerk's Office and obtaining a certificate of registration. A copy of the certificate of registration shall be delivered by the solicitor to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 116 defines a 'solicitor' to include hawkers, peddlers, itinerant merchants and transient vendors of merchandise. Anyone soliciting or vending in unincorporated Lake County must register with the County Clerk at no charge, may only solicit 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., must honor posted 'No Soliciting' signs, and must carry the certificate at all times. Registration is non-transferable and expires December 31 each year. This chapter reaches unincorporated county land only. Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee and Libertyville license peddlers and vendors under their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting or vending without registering, ignoring a posted No Soliciting sign, or refusing to leave when asked violates § 116.02; first offense fines start at $250 (Circuit Court) or $115 (administrative adjudication), rising to $750 for a third violation within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do peddlers need a permit in Lake County?
Does this apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
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