Nashville, TN Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Metropolitan Clerk
- Permit duration
- Two years
- Allowed hours
- Sunrise to 7 p.m. or sunset
- Penalty
- $50 per day per violation
- Screening
- Criminal background check required
Summary
Commercial door-to-door solicitors must get a permit and photo ID badge from the Metro Clerk, pass a criminal background check, and pay a nonrefundable fee before knocking on doors anywhere in Davidson County.
Any person seeking to engage in commercial door-to-door solicitation must obtain a permit and ID badge from the clerk and shall pay the permit fee as provided in this chapter before commencing any such solicitation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metro Nashville requires every commercial door-to-door solicitor to obtain a permit and photo ID badge from the Metropolitan Clerk before soliciting anywhere in Davidson County. Applicants file a sworn affidavit with identifying details, undergo a criminal background check, show proof of a Davidson County business tax license, and pay a nonrefundable fee; the clerk issues the permit within ten business days absent disqualifying convictions. Permits run two years. Solicitors must display the badge at all times, avoid addresses posted with 'No Solicitation' signs or listed on the clerk's public no-solicitation list, and may only knock between sunrise and 7:00 p.m. or sunset, whichever is later. Religious and charitable organizations are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting without a valid permit and badge, entering a posted 'No Solicitation' property, or knocking outside allowed hours draws a $50-per-day penalty per violation, plus permit suspension or revocation by the clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do charities and religious groups need a solicitor permit in Nashville?
How late can door-to-door solicitors visit in Nashville?
Can a Nashville resident block solicitors from their address?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee soliciting & door-to-door overview
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