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Permits & Licenses
Solicitor's Permit
Click here to view the Solicitors and Canvassers Ordinance.
Going door-to-door within the City of Portage for the purpose of selling a product, service, or requesting donations, requires a permit. All applications require a non-refundable, per-person license fee. This fee covers costs associated with processing the application.
Permits are valid through December 31 of the year issued.
For questions about whether a permit is required, please contact the Office of the City Clerk.
Applicants must:
- Print a Solicitor's Permit application
- Possess a current/valid driver's license
- Complete a State of Michigan iChat background check
- Submit the associated fee (see below)
All members of an organization who will be going door-to-door are required to complete the Michigan State Police iChat Background Check before being approved.
| Type | Fee | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| First Applicant (per entity) | $50.00 | Annual |
| Each Additional Applicant (per entity) | $10.00 | Annual |
| Non-profit Organizations | $0 | Not Applicable |
2025 APPROVED VENDORS
Vendor Name | Soliciting Individual(s) | Vehicle | Permit Expiration |
| 4-Seasons Tree Services | James "Darren" Williams Jeriod A. Thorn Preston L. Talanda-Fisher | 2022 GMC 2016 Nissan | December 31, 2026 |
| Top Home Improvements | Connor Bryant | 2005 Honda Odyssey | December 31, 2026 |
| Weed Man Lawn Care | Donovan Allison Daariyon Gardner Richelle Hartman Tony Lieb Kian Senuta | 2011 Ford E Series 2024 Ford F150 2025 Ford F150 | December 31, 2026 |
Liquor License
Please check with the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission (866-813-0011) prior to completing a City of Portage Liquor License to ensure correct license types and prerequisites are first met.
All applicants should be familiar with the City of Portage Code of Ordinances - Chapter 6 "ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR". Any applicants seeking a Quota License should review Section 6-35(c) "Decision Criteria".
Secondhand Dealer License
Per Sec. 14-203 of the Portage Code of Ordinances, no business engaging in the business of purchasing, storing, selling, exchanging and receiving secondhand goods shall be operated or maintained in the City of Portage without first obtaining a license to operate issued by the city. This includes pawnbrokers and secondhand precious metal/gem dealers (jewelers).
There is no application or renewal fee at this time.
Secondhand Dealer License Renewal
A Secondhand Dealer License is valid for a period of one year. Per Sec. 14-210, any secondhand dealer desiring to renew a license shall apply to the City Clerk no later than 60 days before the license expires.