Broome County, NY Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Door-to-door commercial soliciting and peddling in Broome County is regulated at the municipal level. Binghamton City Code Ch. 291 requires any person selling goods or services door-to-door, or soliciting orders for future delivery, to obtain a peddler/solicitor license from the City Clerk: application with photo ID, criminal-background check via Binghamton Police, fee (typically $50-$100), and a visible license badge while operating. Permitted hours are generally 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (some towns 9 AM-8 PM). Town of Vestal, Town of Union, and Village of Johnson City have parallel peddler ordinances. First Amendment-protected activity (religious canvassing, political campaigning, charitable fundraising by a recognized nonprofit) is exempt from commercial licensure under Watchtower v. Village of Stratton (2002) and related cases, though some municipalities require a simple registration/notification from non-commercial canvassers. Residents may post a "No Soliciting" sign; knowing violation of such notice can elevate to trespass. Scam prevention: licensed solicitors must produce credentials on request.