Chicago Municipal Code §4-244 requires a peddler license issued by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) for door-to-door commercial sales. Religious, political, and charitable canvassers are exempt under the First Amendment. Permitted hours are 8 AM to sunset and posted "No Soliciting" signs are enforceable.
Chicago Municipal Code §4-244 (Peddlers) requires any person engaged in door-to-door sales of goods or services to first obtain a peddler license from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). The applicant must provide identification, submit to a background check, and receive a city-issued photo identification badge that must be visibly displayed at all times while soliciting in Chicago. Peddler licenses are typically issued for a two-year term and are renewable. Certain categories (food peddlers, charitable peddlers) have separate license classes.
The ordinance is consistent with the First Amendment framework of Watchtower v. Stratton (2002): religious, political, and charitable canvassing is exempt from the commercial peddler license because such expressive activity cannot be subjected to a prior-permit requirement. Commercial peddlers may operate only between 8:00 AM and sunset on residential premises and must respect posted "No Soliciting" signs. Soliciting in a manner that obstructs traffic or in restricted zones (Loop, residential CDOT-restricted streets) is also prohibited.
Peddling without a license, peddling in a restricted zone, or ignoring a "No Soliciting" sign is punishable by fines of $200 to $1,000 per offense under §4-244-150. Each day constitutes a separate offense. The BACP may suspend or revoke a license for fraud or repeated violations. Criminal trespass charges may also apply.
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