Introducing PAULIE: The City's New Permitting and Licensing Platform​

The City of Saint Paul is now using PAULIE. This new platform reimagines how we handle permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement. You can now apply, track application status, and communicate with City staff in one centralized, secure, and mobile-friendly platform.​

To get started, click the "Get Ready" button below. This will take you to our dedicated PAULIE webpage, providing important information about what to expect in the new platform.​

Get Ready to Apply in PAULIE

When you're ready to apply:​

  • Open the application link. This will bring you to the application listing in PAULIE. If you're not already logged in, you'll first need to log in or register for a free account. ​
  • Register for a free account. This will allow you to track all licensing, permitting, and inspection needs in one place.​
  • Follow application instructions. PAULIE will guide you through the application process step-by-step. You can save and continue your application at any time.​

Submit Your Transient Merchant Application in PAULIE

Overview

These licenses are for any person who sells or offers for sale goods or wares at any point or place in the City of Saint Paul that are not from a permanent store front. If you have questions, contact DSI at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center.

Peddler means any person who shall sell or offer for sale goods or wares, or other articles of value including event tickets The term "peddler" shall not apply to any person who may sell or peddle the products of the farm or garden occupied and cultivated by themselves or who sells at a stand at one (1) of the public markets.

Solicitor means any person traveling either by foot, motor vehicle, or any other type of conveyance from place to place, house to house, or street to street, taking or attempting to take orders for sale of goods, wares, merchandise, for future delivery, whether or not such individual carries or exposes for sale a sample of the subject of such sale; provided, however, that this chapter shall apply only to solicitors who demand, accept or receive payment or deposit of money in advance of final delivery, and provided that he is not a transient merchant or peddler as defined herein. 

Transient merchant means any person, individual, co-partnership and corporation, both as principal and agent, who engages in, does or transacts any temporary and transient business in this state, either in one (1) locality or in traveling from place to place in this state, selling goods, wares and merchandise, and who, for the purpose of carrying on such business, hires, leases, occupies or uses a building, structure, vacant lot or railroad car for the exhibition and sale of such goods, wares and merchandise. 

License Application Requirements 

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

Peddler license application requirements: 

  • All applications and renewals must be made in person
  • A brief description of the nature of the business and the goods to be sold.
  • A photograph of the applicant showing the head and shoulders for license badge
  • Fillable PDFs for your online application submission:

Note: Any applications or renewals received by DSI via fax or by mail will be returned.

Solicitor license application requirements: 

  • All applications and renewals must be made in person
  • A brief description of the nature of the business and the goods to be sold.
  • One thousand dollars ($1,000.00) bond executed by a surety company issued in their name
    • Note: The bond must be obtained from an agency authorized to do business in the State of Minnesota.
  • If a vehicle is to be used, a description of the same, together with license number or other means of identification.

Note: Any applications or renewals received by DSI via fax or by mail will be returned.

Transient Merchant license application requirements:

Apply online at PAULIE*

  • Information needed for your online application:
    • Proof of current Secretary of State registration and Assumed Name Filing
    • Proof of issued Ramsey County Transient Merchant license.
    • Location and written permission from property owner to display merchandise and conduct sales at the address.
    • Description of items to be offered for sale, transaction types (cash, credit, preorder, etc.), dates and times, plus current employer and place of business.
    • Site and Floor Plan
    • Description of any vehicle(s) to be used including license plate number or other means of identification.
    • Copies of obstruction permits issued by the Department of Public Works or other permits issued by the City of Saint Paul.
  • Fillable PDFs for your online application submission:

*If you would like to complete your application on paper, please request a paper application by calling 651-266-8989, emailing dsi-informationandcomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us or stopping into our office at 375 Jackson Street.

*Transient merchants must provide the above required details a minimum of fifteen business days prior to conducting operations at any location not specified on the original application for a compliance review* 

Inspections 

Your application will be administratively reviewed by DSI Licensing and Zoning. 

Fees

See Fee Table for current License fees.

Expiration/Renewal

Peddlers & Solicitors license will expire after one (1) year of issuance. Every year a new photograph of the applicant showing the head and shoulders will be taken by the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) at the time of application. DSI will provide to licensee an identification badge that must be worn in a conspicuous place on the person's outer garment or clothing at all time of operations.

Transient Merchants licenses will expire one (1) year from date of original application and may be renewed annually. 

Code Requirements

See Chapter 345 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for information about Peddlers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants. 

Peddling Restrictions at Specific Locations?

Peddling is prohibited within the State Capitol complex buildings and grounds and the Saint Paul River Centre complex buildings and grounds. Peddling is also prohibited at any park or parkway, building or place under the jurisdiction of the director of parks and recreation unless by the permission of said director or by some person duly authorized by the director and subject to such rules and regulations as the director shall prescribe. Peddling is not prohibited if the activity takes place on land owned or leased by said person.

Similar Uses

Outdoor sales on private property are subject to a zoning review. Please contact 651-266-9008 or DSI-ZoningReview@stpaul.gov for more information on Outdoor Commercial Use requirements.

A Mobile Retail License is required to sell or offer to sell non-food merchandise from a vehicle. Please visit the Mobile Retail License webpage for more information.  

Garage/yard sales are permitted on residential properties without a city license. A maximum of three (3) sales per year is allowed with each event not to exceed seventy-two (72) consecutive hours. Items being sold must be owned by the occupant and not purchased for resale. 

Home businesses are permitted, but must adhere to home occupation requirements. Please visit the Zoning Permits and Land Uses webpage for more information or contact Zoning at 651-266-9008 or at DSI-ZoningReview@stpaul.gov. 
 

Last Edited: September 22, 2025