Kent, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Kent regulates door-to-door solicitation and peddling under Kent City Code Chapter 5.02 (Peddlers and Solicitors) to protect residents from fraud and verify the identity of persons going door-to-door. Any person offering goods or services for sale door-to-door, or soliciting orders for later delivery, must obtain a Solicitor/Peddler Permit from the Kent Police Department records division. The application requires a government-issued ID, photo, fingerprinting, a criminal history background check through the Washington State Patrol (WATCH) system, proof of a current Kent business license (or the employer's license), and the permit fee (roughly 75 dollars for first applicant, 50 for each additional employee, valid up to one year). Felony convictions in the past 10 years or fraud-related convictions can disqualify an applicant. Approved solicitors receive a photo ID badge that must be worn visibly and presented on request. Solicitation hours are restricted to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier, Monday through Saturday (no Sunday solicitation), and solicitors must immediately leave any property displaying a No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign. Religious, political, and charitable non-profit canvassing is exempt from the permit requirement under First Amendment protections (Watchtower v. Stratton, 2002) but should carry ID. Report unpermitted solicitors to Kent Police at 253-856-5800.