New Castle County, DE Soliciting & Door-to-Door: No-Knock Registry (2026)

Unlike some larger jurisdictions, New Castle County does not operate a centralized no-knock or do-not-solicit registry. Instead, the county relies on the state statutory framework: 11 Del.C. §823 (criminal trespass in the third degree) makes it a violation for any person to enter or remain on property after being given lawful notice not to do so. A posted No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign at the property entrance (driveway, front porch, or gate) constitutes lawful notice. Commercial solicitors who ignore such signs can be cited under NCC Code Chapter 25 (where operating under a county permit) and charged with criminal trespass. Signs should be clearly visible, readable from the driveway approach, and placed at typical entry points. Political canvassers, religious groups, and nonprofit charities retain First Amendment protections that override most local registry systems, but they too should respect posted No Trespassing signs at the property boundary. The US Supreme Court's ruling in Watchtower v. Stratton (2002) limits government-mandated permits or registries for non-commercial canvassers. Residents who experience repeated violations should call New Castle County Police non-emergency line or file a complaint with NCC Department of Land Use Code Enforcement if a solicitor permit holder is involved.