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

Commercial solicitation regulation is handled municipally in Hudson County. Jersey City Code §247 requires a Solicitor/Peddler Permit from the City Clerk's office with a $100 to $250 fee and background check through Jersey City Police. Permits valid 90 days, renewable. Hoboken Code §190 requires a Transient Merchant License with similar vetting. Bayonne, Union City, West New York, and North Bergen each maintain separate solicitor licensing. All Hudson municipalities require solicitors to display a laminated photo ID badge with permit number while canvassing. Permitted solicitation hours are typically 9 AM to 8 PM in Jersey City and 9 AM to 9 PM in Hoboken (some variation by season). Solicitors must leave a residence immediately upon request. First Amendment protected activities — religious canvassing (Jehovah's Witnesses, LDS), political canvassing (campaigns, petitioning), and nonprofit/charitable collection — are exempt from permit requirements under Watchtower Bible and Tract Society v. Village of Stratton (2002) and related jurisprudence. However, charitable groups soliciting funds may need to register with the NJ Attorney General's Division of Consumer Affairs Charities Registration Section.