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Lawrence, MA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes, before soliciting or canvassing
Investigation fee
$10.00 at application
Surety bond
$1,000.00
Daily/weekly/monthly/annual fee
$5/$25/$50/$100
Annual license expires
December 31
Appeal window
14 days to city council

Summary

Anyone canvassing or soliciting orders door-to-door in Lawrence must first get a permit and license from the licensing board. Applicants pay a $10 investigation fee, file a sworn application, and post a $1,000 surety bond before working the city's streets.

It is unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser to engage in such business within the corporate limits of the city without first obtaining a permit and license therefor in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8).

Full Breakdown

020. S. Postal Service employees are exempted. 00 investigation fee. 040 routes the application to the chief of police, who investigates for fraud, misrepresentation, or moral-turpitude convictions and can disapprove the license; if approved, the licensing board issues the permit showing the licensee's name, fee paid, license class, and vehicle identifying information. 00 per year, with annual fees halved after July 1. 00 surety bond guaranteeing refunds and delivery to customers. 080. 120.

Violations & Fines

The licensing board may revoke a permit after notice and hearing under Section 5.16.100 for fraud or false statements in the application or while doing business, any chapter violation, a moral-turpitude conviction, or conducting business in a manner that breaches the peace or endangers public health, safety or welfare. Notice must be mailed at least five days before the hearing. A denied or revoked applicant may appeal to the city council within 14 days of mailed notice under Section 5.16.110, and the council's decision is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to sell door-to-door in Lawrence?
Yes. Section 5.16.020 makes it unlawful to solicit or canvass in the city without first obtaining a permit and license from the licensing board, regardless of whether you live in Lawrence or not.
Who is exempt from Lawrence's solicitor licensing rule?
Newsboys, newsgirls, and employees or representatives of newspapers, nonprofit organizations, charitable organizations, and the U.S. Postal Service are exempt under Section 5.16.010's definition of canvasser and solicitor.
What can get my Lawrence solicitor license revoked?
Section 5.16.100 allows revocation after notice and hearing for fraud or false statements, any violation of the chapter, a moral-turpitude conviction, or conducting business in a way that breaches the peace or threatens public health or safety.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lawrence

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