Can I Get on a "Do Not Knock" List?
They always seem to show up at the worst times, right? You'll be in the middle of a nice family dinner, or taking an important work call, or just relaxing at home, when suddenly there's a knock at the door. You freeze, thinking "who on Earth would be knocking on my door right now?"
You peek outside, and sure enough, it’s another salesperson ignoring your "No Soliciting" sign.
So, can you stop them? Is there a "Do Not Knock" list similar to the Do Not Call Registry for telemarketers? Unfortunately, the answer actually depends on where you live. And when it comes to unwanted, in-person sales visits, options for Georgia residents are dismayingly limited.
Are “Do Not Knock” Registries Available in Georgia?
While some U.S. cities and counties (mostly outside of Georgia) have formal Do Not Knock registries, where residents can opt out of door-to-door sales visits, no city or county in Georgia currently offers this kind of program.
In places where these registries exist (like Nashville, Tennessee, and Troy, Michigan, and Methuen, Massachusetts), local governments require door-to-door vendors to check a list of registered addresses and avoid them, or else risk some hefty fines.
But in Georgia, these types of protections are not yet in place. That means residents must rely on local ordinances, signage, and personal measures to control unwanted solicitations.
What You Can Do If Salespeople Keep Showing Up
Even without a Do Not Knock registry, you still have legal, civil, and creative options that can help reduce or even stop unwanted knocks:
1. Check Local Solicitation Laws and Permit Rules
Many Georgia communities (like Hall and Forsyth Counties, and the cities of Roswell and Sandy Springs to name just a few), require door-to-door sellers to obtain a permit or business license, follow solicitation hours, and obey "No Soliciting" signs.
If you want to know if your city or county has similar provisions, visit your city or county’s website and look up its municipal code on solicitation. If a salesperson comes to your door, ask to see a valid permit. If they can't provide one, report unpermitted solicitors to your local city hall, code enforcement office, or police department's non-emergency line.
2. Document and File a Complaint
If a company continues knocking despite your posted sign, make a record of it. Document the time, date, company name, and the salesperson's behavior. If you feel safe, take a photo for additional evidence. Then file a report with your local consumer affairs office or licensing department.
Repeat offenders can lose their solicitation privileges in many areas, even in Georgia.
3. Use Clear Signage With Legal Wording
A “No Soliciting” sign can carry more legal weight if it references your city’s ordinance or code. For example, in Cherokee County you may post a sign that says "Soliciting prohibited under Cherokee County Code § 18-116”.
You can find printable versions online or create your own, then place it near eye-level on or beside your door.
Installing a doorbell camera is another option. Finding themselves on camera may help discourage persistent solicitors, while at the same time provide valuable evidence if needed.
4. Opt Out With Specific Service Providers
Some businesses, including alarm system companies, utility providers, and internet services, keep internal “no contact” or “do not knock” lists. To add yourself to one of these lists, contact the company directly and request removal from their in-person marketing list. If it's ignored, make sure to keep a record of your request so you can fight back.
This may not stop every visitor, but it can reduce repeat sales visits from specific vendors.
5. Prepare for Legal Exceptions
But even in areas with Do Not Knock laws, most jurisdictions (including those in Georgia) do not restrict political, religious, or charitable canvassing. These groups are typically protected under the First Amendment.
But the thing is, you aren't required to engage with them, even if they’re legally allowed to knock. For these types of door-to-door cold knocks, you may consider posting a polite door tag (“We do not accept visitors of any kind. Thank you for respecting our privacy.”).
Final Tip: Advocate for Stronger Local Rules
While no Georgia communities currently offer a Do Not Knock registry, that could change with enough local support. If you'd like to see stronger protections in your neighborhood:
- Contact your city council member or mayor’s office
- Start a petition to propose a local Do Not Knock ordinance
- Highlight success stories from other states as examples
Here's the bottom line: even though there’s no official Do Not Knock list in Georgia, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. With smart signage, an understanding of your local laws, and a bit of community advocacy, you can significantly reduce unwanted door-to-door sales visits and reclaim your peace of mind.