The Marin County Code makes it unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser to engage in such business within the unincorporated territory of the county without first obtaining a solicitor’s permit or a certificate of exemption.
“Canvasser” or “solicitor” is defined as any individual traveling by any type of conveyance from place to place, from house to house, or from street to street, taking or attempting to take orders for sale of goods, wares and merchandise, personal property of any nature or for services to be furnished or performed in the future.
The application for a solicitor’s permit is filed with the County Clerk and applicants must submit to a background investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. Upon completion of the background investigation, a notification card will be sent to the applicant. The total time to apply is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
If you need additional information or have more questions, please contact us. Our office is located at the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive room 234, San Rafael, CA. You can also contact a member of the County Clerk staff via phone at (415) 473-6152 or via email. Office hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday (closed major holidays). However, due to processing time, licenses and applications are accepted for filing between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm.