Birmingham requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a Peddler's License under Code Chapter 11 with background check. Hours restricted to daylight. Religious and political canvassing exempt under First Amendment. Jefferson County unincorporated areas follow similar framework under Home Rule. Alabama has no statewide solicitor registry.
Birmingham Code Chapter 11 Article III requires commercial door-to-door solicitors, peddlers, and transient merchants to obtain a Peddler's License from the City Revenue Department (205-254-2198). Application requires a background check through the Birmingham Police Department, proof of identification, description of goods or services, and a fee (typically $50 to $150 annually depending on category). Licensees must carry the license and a visible photo ID badge while canvassing. Solicitation hours restricted to 9 AM to 9 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier. Hoover Code §18-1 requires similar permits with background check. Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Trussville each maintain solicitor permit requirements. Religious canvassing (door-to-door evangelism), political campaigning, and non-commercial charitable solicitation are protected under the First Amendment per Watchtower Bible & Tract Society v. Village of Stratton (2002) and cannot require permits. Commercial charitable solicitors (telemarketing firms soliciting on behalf of nonprofits) require registration with the Alabama Attorney General under Ala. Code §13A-9-70 (Alabama Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act). Jefferson County under Home Rule permits similar regulation in unincorporated areas.
Soliciting without permit: $100 to $500 Birmingham citation under §1-1-6. Violating hours: $100 to $250. Failure to display license: $50 to $200. Commercial charitable solicitation without AG registration: criminal penalties under Ala. Code §13A-9-71.
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