Solicitor Permits: Albany vs Colonie

Do door-to-door salespeople need a permit in Albany, NY?

Yes. Anyone selling goods or services door-to-door for commercial purposes must obtain a solicitor or peddler permit from the Albany Police Department. The application includes a background check, photo ID, and a description of what is being sold. Approved permittees carry a photo badge that they must display on request.

What about political volunteers, Jehovah's Witnesses, or charity canvassers?

Non-commercial canvassing — political, religious, or for a registered charity — is protected by the First Amendment under Watchtower v. Stratton (2002). Albany cannot require a permit for non-commercial canvassing. These canvassers still must honor "No Soliciting" or "No Trespassing" signs and leave when asked.

When can solicitors knock on my door in Albany?

Typically only between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM (or sunset, whichever comes first) on non-Sunday, non-holiday days. Soliciting outside permitted hours is a code violation. Residents can also opt in to Albany's Do-Not-Knock list, which licensed solicitors must observe.

A salesperson ignored my "No Soliciting" sign — what can I do?

Call Albany Police non-emergency at (518) 438-4000 and report it. Ignoring a posted "No Soliciting" sign is both a city-code violation and a Class B misdemeanor trespass under NY Penal Law §140.05. Ask the solicitor to show their permit badge; if they refuse or it doesn't match, note the badge number and report it to APD.

Does a religious or political canvasser need a permit in the Town of Colonie?

No. Under the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York v. Village of Stratton (2002), a town cannot require a permit for noncommercial door-to-door canvassing - religious, political, or charitable. The Town of Colonie's permit requirement applies to commercial peddlers, solicitors, and food trucks. Noncommercial canvassers must still observe posted 'No Soliciting' signs to avoid a criminal trespass charge under N.Y. Penal Law Section 140.05.

How do I get a peddler or food truck permit in Colonie?

File a completed application with the Town Clerk's office identifying the applicant, the goods or services to be sold, and (for food trucks) vehicle and equipment details. The application is forwarded to the Colonie Police Department for a background check. Once approved, the permit is issued and is valid through December 31 of the issuing year. The new-applicant fee is $250 for the first person from a company and $200 for each additional. The permit is not valid on Town-owned property, in the Village of Colonie, or at posted 'No Solicitation' addresses.