Evanston, IL Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License authority
- City Collector
- Pack peddler fee
- $50/year
- Vehicle peddler fee
- $135/year
- ID card
- Required, worn visibly
- School zone rule
- No sales within 500 ft
Summary
Evanston requires anyone peddling goods door-to-door or on public streets to obtain a City Collector license, register with references and photos, and carry a photo ID card at all times while working.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of peddling any goods, wares or merchandise as hereinabove defined within the City without first having obtained a license for that purpose as provided herein.
Any person who desires a license as a peddler shall make application in writing to the City Collector. Such application shall contain the full name and address of the applicant, whether he/she desires to be licensed to peddle by pack, from a pushcart, wagon or other vehicle as herein defined, together with a description of the commodities, articles or other type of merchandise which he/she intends to peddle.
Any application to peddle bakery goods, prepared food, confections, ice cream, beverages, juices, butter, eggs or any food or drink shall be investigated by the Public Health Director, whose duty it shall be to ascertain that the applicant has complied with all ordinances of the City pertaining to the sale and distribution of food and beverages and report his/her findings to the City Collector before license is issued.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Evanston's peddler and solicitor ordinance covers anyone selling goods at the doors of homes or apartments, or along streets, from a pack, pushcart, or vehicle. Section 3-11-2 requires a license from the City Collector before peddling begins, plus registration listing the applicant's address, employer, prior residences for the last year, and two references who can vouch for them; two photographs must be submitted. Food and beverage peddlers face additional Public Health Director review. Licensed peddlers must wear a City identification card bearing their photo at all times while working, and sales near Evanston Township High School and within 500 feet of any school during session are separately restricted.
Violations & Fines
Peddling without a license, fraud, misrepresentation, or violating registration and ID-card requirements is unlawful under §§ 3-11-2 and 3-11-7 and can result in citation or license denial or revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evanston require a permit to sell door-to-door?
Can peddlers sell near Evanston schools?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
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