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

Chapter 5.16 of the Chelan County Code makes it unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser to operate outside the limits of any city or town in the county without first getting a permit and license under this chapter (§ 5.16.010). A canvasser or solicitor covers anyone traveling house to house, by phone, or from any temporary location taking orders for goods, wares, merchandise or services for future delivery (§ 5.16.020). To apply, a person files a sworn, two-copy application with the Chelan County Auditor listing their name, home and local address, employer, the goods being sold, where they are manufactured, fingerprints, and two Washington references vouching for their character (§ 5.16.030).

A $10.00 investigation fee is due at filing for applicants not already known locally (§ 5.16.030(i)). The Sheriff investigates and either endorses approval, sending the file to the Board of County Commissioners to issue the license, or disapproves it in writing (§ 5.16.040). The annual license fee is $10.00 per calendar year or any part of it (§ 5.16.050(a)). Any applicant who is not a Chelan County resident, or who represents a firm with no permanent Washington place of business, must file a $1,000.00 surety bond running to the county before receiving a license (§ 5.16.060).

Licenses can be revoked after notice and hearing for fraud, a chapter violation, a moral-turpitude conviction, or conduct that breaches the peace (§ 5.16.100). Insurance agents, wholesale and retail salesmen, and daily newspaper salesmen are exempt, and Chelan County residents representing local religious organizations selling religious literature pay no fee (§§ 5.16.120, 5.16.130).