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

Renton Municipal Code Chapter 5-11 or similar solicitor provisions require persons engaged in door-to-door commercial sales, peddling, or soliciting orders for goods or services to obtain a peddler or solicitor license from the City of Renton before canvassing residential neighborhoods. Applicants must submit identification, undergo a background check, pay a license fee, and display the license visibly while soliciting. Religious proselytizing, political campaigning, charitable fundraising for registered nonprofits, and Girl Scout or Boy Scout sales are generally exempt from the commercial solicitor permit requirement under First Amendment protections and charitable registration law, though the state Secretary of State charitable organization registration is still required for larger nonprofits. Solicitation hours are typically limited to between 9 AM and 8 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier. Solicitors must immediately leave any property posted with a No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign and entering after such notice constitutes criminal trespass under RCW 9A.52. Violations can result in revocation of the permit and misdemeanor charges for repeated offenses.