San Francisco, CA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Commercial
- ID and business disclosure required
- Protected Activity
- Political, religious, nonprofit canvassing
- Hours
- Generally 9 AM - 9 PM
- Must Leave
- When asked by resident
- Aggressive Tactics
- Prohibited under Police Code
Summary
San Francisco regulates door-to-door solicitation under the Police Code. Commercial solicitors must comply with registration and identification requirements. The city respects First Amendment protections for political, religious, and nonprofit canvassing.
602. Except as provided in subdivisions (u), (v), and (x), and Section 602.8, a person who willfully commits a trespass by any of the following acts is guilty of a misdemeanor: ... (l) Entering lands under cultivation or enclosed by fence, belonging to another, or entering upon uncultivated or unenclosed lands where signs forbidding trespass are displayed at intervals not less than three to the mile along all exterior boundaries and at all roads and trails entering the lands without the written permission of the owner... (o)(1) Refusing or failing to leave land, real property, or structures belonging to another and not open to the general public, upon being requested to leave.
Full Breakdown
Commercial door-to-door solicitors must carry identification and disclose their business affiliation. Religious, political, and nonprofit canvassers are protected under the First Amendment and are not required to obtain commercial solicitation permits. Solicitation is restricted during certain hours, generally before 9 AM and after 9 PM. Solicitors must leave immediately when asked to do so by a resident. The Police Code prohibits aggressive or fraudulent solicitation practices. Residents can post no-solicitation signs to deter unwanted visits.
Violations & Fines
Aggressive or fraudulent solicitation may result in criminal charges. Failure to comply with identification requirements or refusal to leave when asked can result in citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do door-to-door solicitors need a permit in SF?
Can I stop solicitors from coming to my door?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California soliciting & door-to-door overview
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