Springfield, OH Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Section 741.01 requires a license before anyone sells, offers for sale, barters or exchanges goods, wares or merchandise, or solicits orders or contracts for goods or services, or advertises by distributing samples or premiums, on the City's streets, alleys or public grounds, or door to door, within Springfield. Applicants file a sworn written application with the Chief of Police under Section 741.02, disclosing the names, local and permanent addresses, fingerprints and photographs of everyone who will work the business, the places and duration of operation, prior business locations in the preceding six months, and any prior criminal or ordinance convictions.

The Chief of Police investigates the applicant's character and business responsibility under Section 741.03 and must deny the application if either is unsatisfactory; approved licenses are recorded with the fee paid and expiration date. Section 741.05 sets the fee at $25, plus $5 for each additional copy needed for a second location. Section 741.04 requires the license be posted conspicuously where business is conducted and carried and exhibited on request. Section 741.06 bars using horns, bells, shouting or amplified sound to attract attention to goods for sale.

Licenses expire 90 days after issuance under Section 741.09, and under Section 741.10 a continuously operating licensee needs no renewal, but a break in business of more than 30 days requires renewal and a new fee. The Chief of Police may revoke a license after notice and hearing under Section 741.08 for fraud, a Chapter 741 violation, a felony or moral-turpitude misdemeanor conviction, or conduct amounting to a breach of the peace. Section 741.11 exempts sellers of their own farm or manufactured goods, charitable or educational fundraising agents, and invited transactions.