Auburn, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Auburn City Code section 5.20.220 (Solicitors) requires persons who go door-to-door within the city soliciting orders for goods, services, or subscriptions, or selling merchandise directly at residences, to obtain a solicitor license administered by the Auburn Police Department as a regulatory license. The application requires personal identification, a background check by the Auburn Police, disclosure of the company on whose behalf the solicitor works, and payment of the license fee. The Chief of Police has discretion to deny a license for disqualifying criminal history or other concerns. Licensed solicitors must carry their permit and show it on demand when canvassing. Orders must be in writing in duplicate, stating the solicitor's name as it appears on the license, the permit number, addresses of the solicitor and employer, the order terms, and any money paid. If an applicant wants expedited investigation beyond regular Police Department timelines, the chief of police may conduct expedited background checks at the applicant's expense. Licensed solicitors must also comply with ACC 18.46A.060 Temporary Use Permit standards where applicable. Religious and political canvassers, charitable solicitation covered under RCW 19.09, and news-periodical subscriptions are generally protected First Amendment activity and may have different licensing rules or be exempt. Auburn enforces no-knock rules where posted on individual residences; see ACC 5.20 for no-knock provisions and the related subcategory.