Hackensack, NJ Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 121, Peddling and Soliciting, readopted in its entirety in 2011, defines peddlers as those selling or delivering merchandise door to door or on the streets, and solicitors as those taking orders for future delivery of goods or services. Section 121-3 makes it unlawful to sell, offer to sell, solicit orders, or seek funds within the City without first obtaining a license or registering, unless exempt. Section 121-4 exempts regulated public-utility employees, delivery of previously ordered goods, newspaper carriers, licensed insurance company employees, and food or beverage peddlers who instead need a Health Department permit; it also excuses veterans, exempt firemen, farmers selling their own produce, and interstate-commerce sellers from the application and fee steps.

Applicants must file a sworn application with the Police Department stating their local address and phone number, a description of the business and merchandise, employer information if applicable, the length of time the license is wanted, any vehicle to be used, and where the goods originate, per § 121-5. A fee set under Chapter 107 accompanies the application, and the Chief of Police investigates the applicant's character and business responsibility, with authority to deny for a conviction involving moral turpitude, a prior peddling violation, fraud, breach of solicited contracts, or evidence of bad character, per § 121-7.

No license issues to anyone under 15. , Monday through Saturday, and check in with the police desk before and after each day's activity, per § 121-8. Section 121-9 separately bars noise to attract attention, soliciting at addresses posted against it, parking a sales vehicle longer than five minutes, and selling on City-owned property without City Manager authorization. Licenses expire one year after issuance and are renewable, per § 121-13.