Independence, MO Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Canvassers, solicitors, and peddlers
- Application
- Sworn, discloses felony history
- Charity exemption
- 501(c) orgs, 30-day notice
- License term
- Expires December 31 annually
- Transferability
- Non-transferable to any person
Summary
Independence requires anyone canvassing, soliciting, or peddling door-to-door to obtain a license from the License Officer, listing a sworn application, felony history, and an annual fee before working the city's neighborhoods.
Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in canvassing, soliciting or peddling within the City without first obtaining a license in compliance with the provisions of this article.B.The license shall be issued in a form which the licensee must carry at all times. Such license shall be exhibited at the request of any citizen with identification necessary to validate the license holder as the peddler or solicitor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
Under Article 5 of Chapter 5, anyone canvassing, soliciting, or peddling merchandise or services door-to-door must first secure a license, carry it at all times, and show it on request. The sworn application discloses the applicant's name, address, employer, sales pitch, duration of activity, and any felony convictions. Religious, charitable, or educational nonprofits recognized under IRC Section 501 are exempt if they submit proof to the License Officer at least 30 days before canvassing. Licenses are non-transferable and expire every December 31 regardless of issue date.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting without a license is unlawful; the City can issue a provisional order and, upon noncompliance, seek a fine of up to $500 per day, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do charities need a solicitor's license?
Can the license be transferred to someone else?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Independence
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Solicitor Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jackson County handle solicitor permits.