Step 1: Submit A Solicitor’s Permit Application

The Solicitor’s Permit Application must be completed in its entirety, and requires that an individual upload a photo of their State ID, as well as a passport-style photo to be used on their permit if approved. The review of a Solicitor Permit Application takes up to 5 business days after your registration fee is received. Soliciting may not begin until an application is approved, the registration fee is paid, and the permit is picked up from the Hub. All communication regarding the application and the associated fees will be sent to the email listed on your application.  

Step 2: Pay Your Registration Fee

A $10 registration fee is required to be paid before an application will be reviewed. Payment methods for this fee will be emailed to the applicant 1-2 business days after receiving the application.  

Step 3: Application Review

Once the registration fee is received, your Solicitor Permit Application will be reviewed by appropriate City staff; if you have questions about your application or would like an update on the status of your application, please contact the City Clerk Department via email at cityclerk@cityblm.org or my phone at (309)434-2509, press 6.  

Application review can take up to 5 business days after your registration fee is received. If errors or blank spaces are found within your application, the application will be denied and sent back to your email address via SeamlessDocs; applicants must edit and resubmit their applications with the requested adjustments within 30 days of receiving the denied application.

Step 4: Pick Up Your Solicitor’s Permit

Once an application is approved, the applicant will receive an email notifying them to pick up their Solicitor Permit. the physical permit must be carried by the approved solicitor at all times while conducting business within the City of Bloomington. Therefore, an approved Solicitor’s Permit Application is not enough to allow a solicitor to legally operate in the City of Bloomington. The physical permit must be picked up from The Hub and must be carried with the operating solicitor at all times to avoid violation of the City Code.

• To be considered a Registered Solicitor within the City of Bloomington, an individual must (1) Submit a complete application, (2) Pay the registration fee, (3) Have the application approved by the City Clerk, (4) Pick up the physical copy of the Solicitor’s Permit from the Hub, and (5) Carry and make available to residents and City officials the Solicitor’s Permit at all times while soliciting.  
• Registered Solicitors may only operate between the hours of 9am – 9pm on weekdays. No soliciting is permitted on weekends or holidays.  
• Registered Solicitors may not knock on doors displaying “No Solicitors” signs.  
• Registered Solicitors shall immediately and peacefully depart from any premises when requested to do so by the occupant. 
• Unregistered individuals who solicit sales within the City of Bloomington or Registered Solicitors that violate Chapter 33 of the City Code may be fined up to $500.00 per offense.

Per the City Code, solicitors may not approach homes or businesses that display “No Soliciting” signs. To download and print one of the City’s “No Soliciting” signs for free, choose one of the links below. Physical copies of these signs can also be purchased at The Hub (115 E Washington Street Bloomington, IL 61701) for $3.00. 

Printable Sign: “NO SOLICITORS”

Printable Sign: “ONLY SOLICITORS REGISTERED IN CITY OF BLOOMINGTON INVITED”

Individuals who solicit without a City of Bloomington Solicitor's Permit, or Approved Solicitors that violate the City Code can be reported to the BPD non-emergency dispatch line at 309-820-8888

Please find the following information below… Name, Company (if applicable), Description of Service/Product/Program (Approved Permit Timeline).  Please also note that staff make every effort to remove expired permits, and ask that you pay close attention to end dates listed below, as well.