Solicitor Permits

Who Needs a Permit?

The City of Johnston requires a permit for any person who represents themselves, any business, organization, or group soliciting or attempting to solicit from residences, or upon the public right-of-way or street, monies, contributions or orders for goods, subscriptions, services or merchandise to be delivered immediately or at a future date.

Each person that will be going door-to-door is required to have a permit. Permits are not issued to a company, but rather an individual.

Johnston Code of Ordinances Chapter 122 - Solicitors

The City Clerk can help answer questions regarding the solicitor permit.

How To Get A Permit

The first step to getting a permit is to complete an application. You can submit the application via email or print it out to mail or bring to City Hall. Please note that the application requires a DCI background check be completed. The form for the background check is included in the application.

Each applicant is required to submit a $25 non-refundable application fee before an application will be processed. Currently this can be paid only at City Hall, via check or cash.

There is a minimum 3 working day waiting period for a permit to be processed. Once the permit has been reviewed and approved, the applicant will be contacted to set up a time to come in and be photographed for the permit. There is an additional $25 non-refundable permit fee that will be collected at the time of photographing and issuing the permit. Please be prepared to show a valid government issued ID prior to being photographed and issued a permit.

Permits are valid for 90 days, after which, if the applicant wishes to continue soliciting in the city, the same process will apply.