Wausau, WI Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration deadline
- At least 30 days before selling begins
- License periods
- 30, 60, 90 or 120 days
- Bond range
- $1,000.00 to $10,000.00 by item price
- First-offense penalty
- $100.00 to $500.00 forfeiture
- Investigating agency
- City Clerk and Chief of Police
Summary
Direct sellers, including peddlers, solicitors and transient merchants, must register with the Wausau City Clerk and hold a license before selling door to door in Marathon County. Registration is due at least 30 days ahead, licenses run 30, 60, 90 or 120 days, and a sliding-scale bond up to $10,000.00 is required.
5.60.010 - Registration required. It is unlawful for any direct seller to engage in direct sales within the City without being registered and issued a license for that purpose as provided in this chapter. ... 5.60.040 - Registration and license. (a)Direct seller (employee) and direct seller businesses must complete all registration requirements with the City Clerk no less than 30 days prior to commencing any and all selling activities in the City of Wausau. ... Sales may take place only within the time period permitted by a license; there shall be four license periods of 30, 60, 90, and 120 days, respectively. ... 5.60.100 - Penalty. Any person convicted of violating any provision of this chapter shall forfeit not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, plus costs of prosecution, for the first offense and not less than $500.00, nor more than $1,000.00 for a second or subsequent offenses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
020). 040(a)). 040(b)(2)). 040(e)). 050). A denied applicant may appeal through the Common Council's procedure or under Wis. 060). 070(d)). 030).
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of Chapter 5.60 carries a forfeiture of $100.00 to $500.00 plus costs of prosecution for a first offense, and $500.00 to $1,000.00 for a second or subsequent offense, with each day of violation a separate offense (§ 5.60.100). The Public Health and Safety Committee can revoke or refuse to renew a registration after notice and hearing for fraud, false statements, or a related crime or ordinance violation (§ 5.60.090).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell door to door in Wausau?
How far ahead of selling must I register in Wausau?
How much is the bond for a Wausau direct seller license?
Is anyone exempt from Wausau's direct seller registration?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wausau
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Solicitor Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Marathon County handle solicitor permits.