Twin Falls, ID Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 14 of Title 3 of the Twin Falls City Code makes it unlawful for a transient merchant, itinerant merchant, itinerant vendor, peddler or solicitor to do business in the city without first obtaining a license (§ 3-14-2). A temporary business is one expected to run six months or less in the city.

The application goes to the city clerk as a written, sworn statement (§ 3-14-3). It names the managers, local and permanent addresses, the Idaho sales tax license number, where goods will be sold, the goods themselves, advertising plans, any criminal convictions and any other places the applicant did transient business in the previous six months. It also needs a two inch by two inch head-and-shoulders photograph of the applicant and of each person selling or delivering, written permission from the property owner, and, for food or products for human consumption, a certification by the South Central health district.

The Twin Falls Police Department then investigates suitability, including fingerprints for Idaho State Police and FBI criminal history checks paid by the applicant in advance (§ 3-14-4). An applicant whose character or business responsibility is found unsatisfactory is denied. The fee is $25 in advance for a license valid three months, renewable once for another $25; after expiration the licensee cannot apply for a new license for six months (§ 3-14-6).

Each applicant files a $500 surety bond or cashier's check, and a business with agents in the field files $500 for each employee or agent (§ 3-14-7). The City Council can waive the bond on written justification and letters of reference, or after one year of licensing. The license must be posted or shown on request (§ 3-14-8).

Section 3-14-1 excludes auction sales by established businesses, wholesalers selling to local merchants, religious or charitable nonprofits, invited arts and crafts exhibitors, court-ordered sales, farm and garden producers, newspaper subscription sellers, political groups, Christmas tree and wreath sales, and anyone doing business in the city continuously for one year with proof.