Bellingham, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- Required before canvassing or soliciting
- Investigation fee
- $15 to police department
- License fee
- $25/year, $15/half-year, $10/month
- Curfew
- No visits 9 p.m.-9 a.m.
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 90 days jail
Summary
Bellingham requires a police-vetted license under BMC Ch. 6.18 before anyone can canvass or solicit door-to-door, with fingerprinting, a $15 investigation fee, mandatory compliance with 'No Solicitors' signs, and a 9 p.m.-9 a.m. curfew on visits.
It is unlawful for a person to canvass, solicit or telephone solicit within the city without having a current license, as provided in this chapter. Such license is in addition to the general business registration required by Chapter 6.05 BMC.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 6.18 BMC requires anyone who canvasses, solicits, or telephone-solicits within Bellingham to hold a current license from the finance department, in addition to the general business registration required by BMC Ch. 6.05. Applicants submit fingerprints and a $15 investigation fee for a police background check covering the past 10 years' criminal and traffic history; the finance department then issues yearly ($25), bi-yearly ($15), or temporary ($10/month) licenses on police approval. Licensees must exhibit the license on request, may not approach any home or business displaying a 'No Solicitors' sign, and may not operate between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Nonprofit, religious, and charitable volunteers, and licensed real estate or insurance agents, are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting without a license, ignoring a posted 'No Solicitors' sign, or canvassing outside the 9:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m. window is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both; each day is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell door-to-door in Bellingham?
What hours can solicitors visit homes in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
Compare Bellingham to another location·View the Washington soliciting & door-to-door overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.