Delaware requires a Door-to-Door Salesperson ID Card

Legal authority

The specific identification card obligation is set forth in § 4405 of the Delaware Code (Door-to-Door Salesperson Identification Card) ,which requires any seller or seller’s representative who personally solicits a door-to-door sale at a residence to prominently display a state-issued identification card during the solicitation.

Who must display the ID card

Under Delaware Code § 4405, a seller or a seller’s representative engaging in direct, in-person solicitation at a residential location must wear the identification card so it can be clearly seen by the buyer during the interaction.

ID card requirements

The identification card is issued by the Delaware Department of Finance, as required by § 4405 of the Delaware Code The card must be worn and clearly visible throughout the door-to-door solicitation.

The card includes identifying details such as the salesperson’s name, business name, business address, telephone number, and the seller’s Delaware business license number.

The Department of Finance must include security features to prevent unauthorized reproduction of the card.

Scope and exemptions

The identification requirement applies only to personal, in-home solicitation involving direct contact with the occupant, beyond merely leaving written materials. The statute provides several exemptions, which are detailed in Title 6, Chapter 44 of the Delaware Code.

Exemptions include, but are not limited to:

• Sales conducted by telephone, mail, email, or Internet
• Solicitations made after the seller has been invited to the residence
• Activities conducted by nonprofit organizations
• Public utilities and cable television system operators subject to separate identification requirements

Permitted hours for door-to-door sales

Official guidance issued by the Delaware Division of Revenue states that door-to-door sales activities are permitted only during specified hours. This guidance is published on the Door-to-Door Salesperson information page of the Delaware Division of Revenue.

Enforcement and penalties

Failure to comply with the identification card requirement may result in monetary fines, with increased penalties for subsequent violations, as provided in Delaware Code § 4405.

Official registration and verification

The Delaware Division of Revenue, within the Department of Finance, administers the registration process and provides official information regarding door-to-door salesperson identification cards. Additional guidance and verification resources are available on the Division’s Door-to-Door Salesperson webpage.