DC regulates door-to-door commercial solicitation through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection under DCMR Title 17 and the Hawkers and Peddlers licensing regime. Commercial solicitors must obtain a Solicitor or Peddler Basic Business License, submit to MPD background checks, and display an ID badge. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing are First Amendment protected and exempt from licensing.
Door-to-door commercial solicitation in DC is licensed under DCMR Title 17 Chapter 5 (Hawkers, Peddlers, and Vendors) and DC Code section 47-2851.03d. Commercial solicitors (those selling goods or services, taking orders, or collecting payments at residences) must hold a Basic Business License in the Solicitor, Peddler, or Door-to-Door Sales endorsement issued by DLCP. Applicants submit to MPD background check and fingerprinting; convictions for fraud, theft, or violent offenses within 5 years typically disqualify applicants. License fees range from $195 biennial (solicitor) to $334 biennial (general peddler). Licensed solicitors must wear a photo ID badge visible at all times, provide written disclosure of cancellation rights under the DC Door-to-Door Sales Act (3-business-day cooling off period under DC Code 28-3811), and may only operate between 9:00 AM and sunset in residential zones. Aggressive or deceptive practices are enforced by the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection section. Religious proselytizing, political canvassing, and charitable fundraising for registered nonprofits are constitutionally protected under Watchtower v. Stratton (2002) and do not require DC solicitation licenses, though large charities must register under the DC Charitable Solicitation Act.
Unlicensed commercial solicitation: $500-$2,000 per DCMR 17-509. No ID badge: $100-$300. Failure to provide written cancellation notice: voids contract plus $500 consumer protection penalty. Aggressive tactics: OAG enforcement, treble damages possible.
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