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

Lawrence Municipal Code Chapter 5.16 makes it unlawful for any solicitor or canvasser to do business in the city without first obtaining a permit and license under Section 5.16.020. "Canvasser" or "solicitor" is defined broadly in Section 5.16.010 to cover anyone traveling house to house, by foot or vehicle, taking orders for goods or services; newspaper employees, nonprofit and charitable representatives, and U.S. Postal Service employees are exempted. Under Section 5.16.030, applicants file a sworn written application in duplicate with the licensing board disclosing their name, address, employer, the goods being sold, two references from county residents, and any prior criminal or ordinance convictions, along with a $10.00 investigation fee.

Section 5.16.040 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. License fees under Section 5.16.050 run $5.00 per day, $25.00 per week, $50.00 per month, or $100.00 per year, with annual fees halved after July 1. Section 5.16.060 requires a $1,000.00 surety bond guaranteeing refunds and delivery to customers. Licenses must be shown on request per Section 5.16.070, and police may demand production of the license from anyone seen soliciting per Section 5.16.080. Annual licenses expire December 31 under Section 5.16.120.