Washington, DC Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License fee
- $316 biennially
- Required bond
- $500, payable to D.C.
- Order form
- Written, in duplicate
- Issuing authority
- Mayor / DLCP basic business license
Summary
Door-to-door solicitors in Washington, D.C. must obtain a biennial solicitor's license, post a $500 bond, and pay a $316 license fee before taking any order.
Solicitors shall pay a license fee of $316 biennially. Any person who goes from house to house, or place to place, within the District of Columbia, selling or taking orders for or offering to sell or take orders for goods, wares, merchandise, or any article or thing of value for future delivery...and requiring or accepting a deposit for such future delivery or service, shall be deemed to be a "solicitor," within the meaning of this section...Such application shall be accompanied by a bond in the penal sum of $500, running to the District of Columbia.
Full Breakdown
In Washington, D.C., anyone who goes house to house or place to place selling, taking orders for, or offering to sell goods, merchandise, or future services -- and who requires or accepts a deposit -- is a "solicitor" under D.C. Code § 47-2835 and must be licensed by the Mayor. Applicants file a form naming who they represent and what they sell, and must post a $500 bond running to the District to cover refunds if goods or services aren't delivered as promised. Orders must be written in duplicate, with a copy given to the purchaser. The license is issued as a General Services and Repair endorsement to a basic business license.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting or taking prepaid orders without the license and bond violates § 47-2835; the business license system's basic-license enforcement provisions apply to unlicensed operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do door-to-door sellers need a permit in D.C.?
Is a bond required to get a D.C. solicitor's license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia soliciting & door-to-door overview
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