Milwaukee, WI Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License fee
- $150/year ($15 nonprofit)
- Renewal fee
- $75 (free for nonprofits)
- Police registration
- 5 days before soliciting
- No-solicit hours
- 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Penalty range
- $50 to $500 per violation
Summary
Milwaukee requires direct sellers, transient merchants and solicitors to hold a mobile seller's license, register with the district police station, and stay off doorsteps between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
No person
may engage in the business of a direct seller,
transient merchant or solicitor within the limits of
the city without first obtaining a mobile seller's
license under this subchapter.
2. EXCEPTIONS. The following shall
be exempt from licensure, but shall not be
exempt from the regulations provided in ss. 92-
Full Breakdown
Before knocking on doors, a solicitor must obtain a mobile seller's license (Ch. 92, Subch. 1): the chief of police runs a criminal-history check, and a flagged applicant can be sent to the licensing committee and Common Council before issuance. Licensees must also register their name, home address and date of birth with the district police station covering their route at least 5 days before soliciting. Door-to-door solicitation for any commercial or fundraising purpose is barred between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and a posted "Solicitors Prohibited" placard legally bars entry.
Violations & Fines
Violating any Chapter 92 licensing, registration, sign or curfew provision draws a forfeiture of $50 to $500 per offense plus prosecution costs; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to go door-to-door selling in Milwaukee?
Can I solicit at night in Milwaukee?
Can a homeowner refuse solicitors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
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Solicitor Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle solicitor permits.