Lake County, IL Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Register with
- Lake County Clerk's Office
- Soliciting hours
- 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Registration expires
- December 31 each year
- First-offense fine
- At least $250
Summary
Solicitors in unincorporated Lake County must register with the County Clerk, get a certificate, and carry it while working.
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
Anyone soliciting orders, sales, subscriptions or business door-to-door in unincorporated Lake County must first register with the Lake County Clerk's Office and obtain a certificate of registration, a copy of which goes to the Sheriff's Office. Registrants submit their name, address, date of birth, photo ID, employer, product/service, and method of operation. The certificate must be carried at all times and shown on request. Registration is nontransferable, expires December 31 each year, and can be revoked by the Sheriff for a violation conviction. Soliciting is also limited to 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., and solicitors must heed posted 'No Soliciting' signs. Minors soliciting only for fundraising and people exercising First Amendment rights are exempt from the solicitor definition.
Violations & Fines
Ordinance violation; fined at least $250 first offense, $500 second, $750 third or more within 12 months (or a $115 minimum administrative-adjudication fine); false registration statements void the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to go door-to-door in unincorporated Lake County?
Does this apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois soliciting & door-to-door overview
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