Peddler/Solicitation Permit
Any person, who desires to engage in the business of peddling or soliciting and is going from house-to-house, or place-to-place, within the legal boundaries of the City of Costa Mesa, must first obtain a permit from the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Peddling or soliciting includes any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of going house-to-house, or place-to-place, other than commercial business houses, or at, on, or along the public streets, sidewalks or public places, selling or taking orders for, or offering to sell or take orders for goods or services to be performed in the future, or for things of value to be delivered in the future, or performing services which require further development, consummation or completion elsewhere than at the place where performed.
Exception: persons who solicit for non-profit organizations must obtain a permit from City Hall Finance Department.

For additional information refer to Costa Mesa Municipal Code sections 9-114 thru 9-133 inclusive.

Peddler/Solicitor Permit Process

The application process takes approximately 2 – 6 weeks. Temporary permits are not available.

To apply for a Peddler/Solicitor permit, you must: 

• Fill out all application forms (available at the CMPD front desk)
• Provide copy of your Costa Mesa business license.
• Provide two passport type photos and a copy of your government issued ID (i.e. California Drivers License)
• Provide a non-refundable Permit application fee of $75.00 (Cash or Check made payable to City of Costa Mesa) when you submit your completed forms to the front desk.
• Make an appointment for Livescan at (714) 754-5033.
• Provide a non-refundable LiveScan fee of $32.00 (Cash or Check made payable to City of Costa Mesa) – This is the fee for your fingerprint records check.
• Upon completion of the process, you will be provided with a peddler/solicitor permit ID card which is valid for up to one (1) year. The ID card must be displayed on your person when soliciting/peddling.

Peddler/Solicitor Permit Renewal Process
To renew a Peddler/Solicitor permit, you must:

• Fill out all application forms (available at the CMPD front desk)
• Provide a copy of your current Costa Mesa business license.
• Provide two passport type photos and a copy of your government issued ID (i.e. California Drivers License)
• Provide a non-refundable Permit application fee of $75.00 (Cash or Check made payable to City of Costa Mesa) when you submit your completed forms to the front desk.

Please call (714) 754-5281 if you have any questions.