Are door hangers considered soliciting under federal law?

No. Federal law does not classify door hangers as solicitation. Solicitation generally requires direct, person-to-person contact, and a door hanger involves none of that.

• Door hangers are passive printed materials left on a doorknob with no interaction.
• Because there is no in-person exchange, they fall outside the usual definition of soliciting.
• One firm rule still applies: never place anything in a U.S. mailbox without postage, which is a federal offense. Use doorknobs only.

Local ordinances can still vary, so this is general information rather than legal advice. Check your municipality if you are unsure.

Some cities require a handbill or distribution permit even for drops with no sales pitch, homeowner associations often set their own posting rules, and posted no-soliciting signs are worth respecting to avoid complaints. Confirm the local rules before a large door hanger campaign.