Lake Charles, LA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Section 12-38(a) requires any person or organization desiring to solicit funds, including contributions or payments of any kind, or the distributing of literature which solicits contributions or payments, by going uninvited to private residences, offices, or other buildings in the city, to first obtain a written registration from the director of finance. The application must disclose the sponsoring person or organization's contact information, the name, address, and driver's license number of every individual who will solicit, a description of the planned activity and its purpose, the campaign dates, and how proceeds will be used.

Section 12-38(a)(8) adds that each prospective registrant must submit to a federal background check paid for by the applicant, and the director can refuse a registration if the results reveal a potential threat to public safety on a law enforcement recommendation. Approved registrants receive a photo ID that must be worn and visible while soliciting. Under § 12-38(b), the request must be filed with the director at least three days before the activity begins, and any change in the facts on file must be reported within two days or the registration is void.

00 registration fee for issuance. The director may deny a registration for any proposed activity that is unlawful, misleading, deceptive, or invasive of citizens' privacy under § 12-38(d).