Oyster Bay, NY Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Town Code Chapter 173 makes it unlawful under § 173-17 for any person to peddle or solicit, directly or through another person or employee, without first obtaining a valid license, and anyone doing the work through an employee must also be individually licensed. Applications go to the Town Clerk, acting as license commissioner, under § 173-18, and must include two photographs of the applicant per § 173-15 and fingerprints taken under the auspices of the Nassau County Police Department per § 173-16. Under § 173-21, the sworn application and fingerprint card go to the Nassau County Police Department for fingerprinting and then to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services for a criminal history check; a temporary license can issue once a complete application is filed if the applicant swears by affidavit to having no disqualifying criminal record, valid only until the state search results come back.

2(a)(1)) and a $2 photo fee, with vehicle licenses adding $25 for vehicles up to 5,000 pounds. Licenses run on a calendar year and expire December 31 regardless of issue date, with no fee reduction for partial years and no refunds on denial (§ 173-10B). Honorably discharged veterans holding a Nassau County Clerk veteran's hawker/peddler license are exempt from the § 173-10A(1)(a) personal fee but still owe the state fee (§ 173-10C). Licensees must carry and display their license on request (§ 173-12), cannot transfer it (§ 173-13), and must report any address change to the Town Clerk for endorsement (§ 173-11).

, whichever is earlier, absent an owner's express invitation (§ 173-5), at posted premises (§ 173-6), or within 200 feet of a school (§ 173-7). Charitable, political and not-for-profit organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary and Lions Clubs are exempt under § 173-2 unless they function as a licensor for commercial vendors.