South Bend, IN Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

The ordinance splits door-to-door sellers into two categories: a peddler sells tangible goods directly to a consumer house to house, store to store, or on the street, including from a vehicle or on foot as a 'pack peddler,' while a canvasser or solicitor takes orders for future delivery of goods or services in public or private places or house to house, without an established place of business. Both need a license before starting, applied for through the Office of the City Controller with the applicant's name, address, phone number, driver's license and vehicle plate number, the locations to be worked, the type of merchandise, and how long the business will run; anyone selling by weight or measure must also file a certificate from the Sealer of Weights and Measures showing tested, approved scales.

Every application goes to the Police Department, which investigates the applicant's criminal history and reports whether granting the license would endanger public health, safety, or welfare, with that report and recommendation attached for the Controller's review. The fee is $50 a year for peddlers or canvassers using a pushcart, wagon, or any vehicle, and $50 a year for pack peddlers, and the Controller can require a personal or surety bond of up to $1,500. Pack peddlers and door-to-door canvassers must wear a badge or tag noting their license number while doing business; vehicle and pushcart peddlers get two matching metal plates, each 3.5 by 7.5 inches, reading 'Peddler's License, South Bend, Indiana, No. ___' with the license number and expiration date, fastened in plain view on both sides of the vehicle.

Anyone who has already filed a charitable solicitations registration and permit under this chapter is exempt from the peddler and canvasser licensing requirement entirely. State law separately authorizes the City to regulate solicitors under IC 36-8-2-11.