Understanding Door-to-Door Sales in Rochester
Understanding Door-to-Door Sales in Rochester
Know Your Rights and What to Expect
June 12, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – As door-to-door sales increase during the warmer months, the City of Rochester wants to provide residents with important information regarding the rights of salespeople, City licensing requirements, and what you can expect when someone knocks on your door.
According to the Supreme Court, door-to-door sales are allowed under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This means people can go door-to-door to sell items, share political views or discuss religious beliefs.
To ensure public safety and accountability, all for-profit door-to-door vendors operating in the City of Rochester must obtain a license issued by the City. A criminal background check is conducted for each applicant as part of this licensing process. All door-to-door sales must end by 8 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to ask these salespeople to show their City of Rochester license and photo ID. A licensed door-to-door salesperson should be able to show this documentation immediately upon request.
If they cannot produce evidence of licensure, you may call the non-emergency police line at 507-328-6800.
Example License
Helpful Information
- The City keeps an updated list of licensed door-to-door salespeople on the City of Rochester website.
- Under Minnesota law, if you buy something from a door-to-door salesperson, you have three business days to cancel the sale without penalty.
- While “No Solicitation” signs may discourage visits, they are not legally enforceable. Licensed salespeople are still allowed to knock on doors with these signs.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about a salesperson, please call the City of Rochester Licensing Division at 507-328-2046 or email licenses@rochestermn.gov.