Are Door Hangers Legal? What Businesses Should Know Before Distributing Them

Written by UPrinting - Updated on July 4, 2025

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Last updated on July 4th, 2025 at 09:35 pm

Door hangers are a simple and affordable way to promote your business
locally. However, not every neighborhood welcomes them, and you might
get fined if done incorrectly. So, what should you do if you want to try
door hanger advertising? In this article, UPrinting explains the legal
issues surrounding door hangers, the right way to distribute them, and
what alternative options you can try to market your business.

Are Door Hangers Legal?

The truth is that door hangers are legal. They are protected by the
First Amendment and are considered free speech. This means that there’s
no federal law that bans the use of door hangers, and placing marketing
materials on doors or doorknobs is allowed.

Local Laws and Ordinances

While federal law does not regulate door hangers, local laws reign
supreme regarding door hanger advertising, as different cities,
counties, or towns have their ordinances. These regulations can vary
even within the same state or zip code. For example, some require a
permit, while others restrict the times you can distribute them.

State & Local Examples:

Los Angeles, CA: Door hangers are allowed, but
businesses must not ignore “No Soliciting” signs.
Solicitation
is also prohibited between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. of the following day.
New York City, NY: Door hangers are not strictly
illegal, but posting advertisements on a person’s property without
permission is a violation under the
New York Penal Law. Some housing complexes also require permits.
Southlake, TX: Door hangers without contact from an
individual do not require a permit. However, solicitation or
canvassing requires a
permit.
Chicago, IL: Door hangers are legal in Chicago, but
written consent and
authorization
from the owner or manager of the premises should be provided when
distributing door hangers.

Homeowner’s Association (HOA) and Apartment Rules

Some HOAs or apartments might have their own rules even if door hangers
are allowed in the state. Remember to always get permission before
distributing door hangers so you won’t get fined.

Common Legal Issues Surrounding Door Hangers

Before you start putting door hangers on doorknobs, it’s important to be
aware of the legal risks that you might encounter. Below are some
examples of common legal issues surrounding door hangers:

Trespassing: Going on someone’s property can be
considered trespassing, especially if there’s a sign posted. Always
respect private property boundaries to avoid breaking the law.
Littering Fines: Putting too many door hangers in
an area or if they get blown away can count as littering in some
cities. When given permission, make sure that the door hanger is
secure.
Solicitation Bans: Some places consider placing
door hangers as a form of solicitation. If you see a “No Soliciting”
sign on a property, do not ignore it, as this could lead to
trespassing violations, hefty fines, or police complaints.
Postal Service Confusion: Never attach a door
hanger to a mailbox. Any mailable material that doesn’t have postage
is considered a federal offense under
USPS regulations. Stick to doors and doorknobs, but only if given permission.

How to Legally and Respectfully Distribute Door Hangers

Follow these best practices to avoid fines and ensure results with door
hanger advertising:

Do your research and check local laws first. There
are many ways to verify regulations regarding door hanger
advertising. You can check local ordinances, call city clerks, check
municipal codes online, or consult an attorney or legal service.
While this may seem time-consuming, it pays to be safe rather than
be fined.
Avoid gated communities or private property. HOA
regulations can be complicated, and some state laws might not apply.
Skip the private roads and apartment complexes as much as possible
unless you’ve secured your permit to put them on doorknobs.
Use quality door hangers. Flimsy door hangers can
easily blow away and get you fined for littering. To prevent this,
choose door hangers made of sturdy cardstock with a hook or slit to
help them stay in place when installed.

Alternative Marketing Options to Consider

If door hangers are illegal or not feasible in your area, don’t worry
because there are still other options that you can try to promote your
brand:

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM®)

EDDM is a mailing service offered by the United States Postal Service
(USPS). This program lets you send flyers, postcards, and brochures to
your preferred geographic area without the need for mailing lists.

Direct Mail Services

If you want to reach a specific target audience, direct mail is the way
to go. With a curated mailing list, you can mail homeowners interested
in your product or target previous customers.

Local Sponsorships or Bulletin Boards

Try going to schools, churches, local events, or community centers.
These places usually allow handing out flyers or displaying banners in
designated areas.

Conclusion

Door hangers can be effective if they’re distributed legally and
respectfully. Check local ordinances and regulations before handing out
door hangers to ensure you’re not breaking the law. You can also
consider options like EDDM or direct mail marketing to reach your
audience easily without legal stress.

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