Unincorporated San Mateo County requires commercial peddlers and solicitors to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor License from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, including a fingerprint-based background check and photo ID badge. Licensed solicitors may operate 9 AM to sunset (or 8 PM, whichever is earlier), must display the County-issued badge visibly, and may not solicit at any address with a posted 'No Soliciting' sign. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing are exempt under First Amendment protections.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office administers the Peddler/Solicitor License program for unincorporated areas under County Code Title 3 (Public Safety). Applicants must submit fingerprints (Live Scan), pay fees, and pass a background check (convictions for fraud, theft, or violent crimes can result in denial). Upon approval, the Sheriff issues a photo ID badge that must be worn visibly on the outermost layer of clothing during all solicitation. Permitted hours are 9 AM to sunset or 8 PM (whichever is earlier). Prohibited: soliciting at residences with posted No Soliciting signs, entering gated properties without invitation, aggressive behavior, misrepresenting the goods/services, and operating with expired/suspended license. Religious solicitation (per Watchtower v. Stratton, 536 U.S. 150) and political canvassing are fully exempt from permit requirements under the First Amendment. Charitable door-to-door fundraising by registered 501(c)(3) organizations is also generally exempt but may require Secretary of State registration per Gov Code §12585.
Solicit without license: misdemeanor citation under County Code, $100-$500 fine. Ignoring No Soliciting sign: $50-$250 infraction. Failure to display badge: $50-$200 infraction. Fraud/misrepresentation: license revocation plus potential criminal charges under Penal Code §484/532.
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