Lower Merion, PA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 113, Article I of the Lower Merion Township Code governs canvassing and soliciting, defined broadly to include selling goods, services, wares, subscriptions, or taking orders for home improvements or repairs at a residence or on any street, sidewalk, or public property. Section 113-2 bars anyone from canvassing or soliciting in the township without first registering and obtaining an identification card from the Police Department. Section 113-3 sets the application process: the applicant submits a written application on a township form, with two 2-1/2 by 3 inch photographs taken within six months, listing name, age, gender, home and business addresses, employer, activity, duration, and any vehicle used.

The Police Department must issue the card within five business days. An identification card is denied to anyone convicted of fraud, false statements, burglary, robbery, physical violence, or a sexual contact offense, though that bar lapses three years after conviction, probation, or release from incarceration, or if the conviction is vacated, reversed, expunged, or pardoned. Cards are valid for one year and only for the person to whom issued, must be visibly worn or displayed on request to police or any person contacted, and must be surrendered to police immediately if revoked.

The Police Department may revoke a card under Section 113-5 for violating the conduct standards in Section 113-4 or for a false statement on the application. Exclusions cover religious and political activity, registered charitable solicitors under the state Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act, minors under 19 selling for schools or nonprofits, sidewalk-sale proprietors, and township-authorized marketplace vendors. Section 113-7 makes canvassing or soliciting without registration or a valid card, or violating any other provision of the chapter, punishable before a District Justice by a fine of not more than $600 plus costs, in addition to card revocation.