Bristol, PA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- At the Borough building before knocking on residential doors
- Card issued by
- Chief of Police, without charge
- Registration fee
- Set by resolution of Borough Council
- Hours, April 1 to October 31
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Hours, November 1 to March 31
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Fine
- $100 to $1,000 plus costs per offense
Summary
In Bristol Borough, Pennsylvania, nobody can knock on residential doors to peddle or solicit without an invitation until they have registered at the Borough building and received an identification card from the Chief of Police. Children under 18 working for a nonprofit, school or government body, and nonprofit or neighborhood solicitors, are exempt.
§ 13-302. Registration Required. ... 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to go upon residential property within the Borough of Bristol, without being invited to do so by the owners or occupants of the subject property, to peddle and/or solicit Borough residents by knocking upon residential doors, or by ringing doorbells, or otherwise so as to cause or attempt to cause residents to open their doors unless the person doing the peddling and/or soliciting activity has first registered at the Borough building and has received an identification card from the office of the Chief of Police of the Borough of Bristol. 2. The following individuals shall be exempt from the registration requirement set forth in Subsection 1, above, and the identification card requirement of § 13-303 below: A. Children under 18 years of age soliciting or peddling on behalf of a nonprofit, school or government ... organization. B. Persons soliciting on behalf of a non-profit or neighborhood organization for either donations to, or membership in, such organization.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 13, Part 3 of the Bristol Borough Code sets the rules for door-to-door sales and fundraising. Section 13-302 makes it unlawful to go onto residential property without an invitation in order to peddle or solicit by knocking, ringing doorbells, or otherwise causing residents to open their doors, unless the person has first registered at the Borough building and received an identification card from the office of the Chief of Police. The Part defines peddling as approaching people to sell goods, services or products, and soliciting as approaching people to ask for monetary contributions, donations or support. Canvassing, which covers discussing issues, religious proselytizing and campaigning for votes without asking for money or selling anything, is defined separately and is not named in the registration clause.
An applicant must give full identification with a photograph, residence and office address, such as a voter's registration card or vehicle operator's license, plus the name and address of the organization being served, the length of time the peddling or soliciting will run, and any criminal record. Fees for registration under the Part are set from time to time by resolution of Borough Council, while the card itself is issued by the Chief of Police without charge under section 13-303. Solicitors must carry the card at all times in the Borough and show it to residents before any peddling or soliciting begins.
Section 13-304 limits residential calling hours: from November 1 through March 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from April 1 through October 31, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays included. Section 13-306 allows soliciting at businesses and shopping center parking lots during normal business hours only with written permission from the owner and compliance with registration, card and hours rules. Under section 13-305, Borough Council can deny or revoke a card after a hearing if the holder has a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or gave false or misleading information.
Violations & Fines
Section 13-308 makes each violation a summary offense heard by a magisterial district judge, with a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and up to 90 days in jail in default of payment. Each day, and each section violated, is a separate offense. The Borough can also sue in equity. Notices of violation can come from the Police Chief, the Borough Manager, the Code Enforcement Officer or the Zoning Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to register to go door to door in Bristol Borough?
Do nonprofit fundraisers need the card?
What information does the Borough require on the application?
Can Bristol Borough pull a solicitor's card?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol
Compare Bristol to another location·View the Pennsylvania soliciting & door-to-door overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.