Chicago, IL Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Street peddler license, DBACP
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Fine range
- $50–$200 per offense
- Exempt
- Newspapers/periodicals on public way
Summary
Chicago requires anyone peddling goods door-to-door or on public ways to hold a street peddler license before starting business.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of a peddler without first having obtained a street peddler license under this chapter. Provided, however, a street peddler license is not required for selling, offering or exposing for sale, or soliciting any person to purchase, only newspapers, periodicals, pamphlets, or other similar written materials on the public way.
(2) No person shall sell, offer or expose for sale, or solicit any person to purchase any newspaper, periodical, pamphlet, or other similar written materials from any vehicular traffic lane on any public way in the city.
(b) Any person violating this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00 for each offense. Each day such violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. (Added Coun. J. 12-9-92, p. 25465; Amend Coun. J. 5-9-12, p. 27485, § 119; Amend Coun. J. 11-1-16, p. 35386, § 1)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection issues street peddler licenses to anyone tendering a completed application and fee. Applicants must be at least 16, and licenses are denied to anyone whose prior license was revoked in the past year or is currently suspended. Licensed peddlers must display identification on their vehicles and carry a badge while working. A license is not required solely to sell newspapers, periodicals, or pamphlets on the public way, but that exemption does not extend to selling from a vehicle traffic lane.
Violations & Fines
Peddling without a license carries a fine of $50 to $200 per offense, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell door-to-door in Chicago?
What happens if I peddle without a license in Chicago?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chicago
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