NYC does not require a general permit for door-to-door solicitation, as commercial speech and charitable solicitation are protected under the First Amendment. However, solicitors must comply with the NYC Consumer Protection Law (Admin Code Title 20) for commercial transactions and cannot engage in deceptive practices.
NYC does not have a dedicated solicitor permit or registration requirement for door-to-door salespersons, unlike many suburban municipalities. Commercial door-to-door sales are regulated by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) under the Consumer Protection Law (Admin Code Title 20, Chapter 5). The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives consumers 3 days to cancel sales made at their home for $25 or more. Home improvement solicitors must be licensed by DCWP as home improvement contractors under Admin Code §20-387. Charitable solicitation in NYC is regulated by the NY Attorney General's Office under Executive Law Article 7-A (Charities Registration). No-solicitation signs posted by building management in multi-family buildings must be respected, and buildings can deny access to solicitors through their security staff. The NYC Consumer Protection Law prohibits deceptive trade practices, including misrepresentation during solicitation. Peddlers selling goods door-to-door need a DCWP General Vendor License.
Deceptive solicitation: DCWP enforcement with fines of $350–$1,000 per violation. Unlicensed home improvement solicitation: $500–$5,000. Peddling without a vendor license: $250–$1,000. Trespassing after being asked to leave: criminal offense.
New York, NY
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