Seattle, WA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Identification
- Solicitors must carry and display identification
- No Soliciting Signs
- Solicitors must respect posted No Soliciting signs
- Charitable Registration
- Required under RCW 19.09 with WA Secretary of State
- Consumer Protection
- WA Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) applies
Summary
Seattle regulates door-to-door solicitation through its business license requirements and consumer protection regulations, requiring commercial solicitors to carry identification and comply with consumer protection rules.
Chapter 19.09 RCW — CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS. Sections: 19.09.010 Purpose; 19.09.020 Definitions; 19.09.062 Fees — Charitable organizations — Commercial fund-raisers; 19.09.065 Charitable organizations and commercial fund-raisers — Registration required — Public record — Registration not endorsement; 19.09.068 Application for registration — When registered — Incomplete application — Failure to pay filing fee; 19.09.071 Application for registration — Solicitation report — Violation; 19.09.075 Charitable organizations — Application for registration or renewal — Contents — Fee; 19.09.079 Commercial fund-raisers — Application for registration or renewal — Contents — Fee; 19.09.081 Application requirements — Exemptions; 19.09.097 Contract with commercial fund-raiser — Limitations — Registration form — Contents — Copy — Fee; 19.09.100 Conditions applicable to solicitations; 19.09.191 Commercial fund-raisers — Surety bond; 19.09.200 Books, records, and contracts; 19.09.230 Use of the name, symbol, statement, or emblem of another entity — Filing; 19.09.271 Failure to register — Late filing fee — Notice to attorney general; 19.09.275 Violations — Penalties; 19.09.277 Violations — Attorney general — Cease and desist order — Temporary order.
Full Breakdown
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in Seattle must carry proper identification showing their name and the company they represent. The city's consumer protection regulations require solicitors to identify themselves and their purpose immediately upon contact. Charitable solicitation is regulated separately under Washington state law (RCW 19.09) requiring registration with the Secretary of State for organizations soliciting donations. Seattle does not require a separate solicitor-specific permit but enforces general business license requirements for commercial activity. Solicitors must respect No Soliciting signs posted at residences. Aggressive solicitation, intimidation, or fraud during solicitation is prohibited. The Washington State Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86) provides additional protections against deceptive solicitation practices.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful solicitation practices can result in enforcement under the Washington Consumer Protection Act with penalties up to $7,500 per violation. Trespassing after being asked to leave is a misdemeanor. Fraudulent solicitation may result in criminal charges. The city attorney's office handles complaints about predatory solicitation practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can solicitors ignore my No Soliciting sign in Seattle?
Do charitable solicitors need to be registered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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Solicitor Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle solicitor permits.