Stafford Township, NJ Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Section 155-2 of the Stafford Township Code makes it unlawful for an itinerant salesman or vendor to sell or offer goods, wares or merchandise anywhere in the Township, or to solicit funds, subscriptions or contributions, without first applying for and obtaining a permit. Section 155-1 defines the term to cover hawkers, peddlers and salesmen with no retail shop or place of business in Stafford, whether they work the streets or go door to door. Wholesalers licensed by New Jersey or holding a state sales tax exemption permit are excluded by § 155-3, and anyone holding a special license under N.J.S.A. 45:24-9 is exempt from the chapter's licensing requirements.

The sworn application is filed with the Chief of Police on forms provided by the Township Clerk. It lists the applicant's name and address, the principal officers and managers if the applicant is not an individual, a description of the goods or the purpose of the solicitation, and the beginning and ending dates. Applicants also submit two letters of recommendation about moral character, and where applicable must present proof of a food handler's license issued by the County of Ocean. The fee at filing is $150, reduced to $50 if the Stafford Township Police Department already investigated the applicant in the same calendar year and a license issued.

After the Chief of Police endorses approval, the Township Clerk delivers the permit on payment of the license fee. Under § 155-7, the permit costs $15, expires December 31 following issuance, and covers one person and one vehicle; a duplicate for each added person or vehicle costs another $15. Under § 155-6, the Clerk issues a badge reading "licensed solicitor" or "peddler" with the license number legible from 10 feet, worn on the front of the outer garment, and two vehicle stickers for each vehicle. A permit to solicit for a recognized charitable or religious organization carries no fee and expires not more than 40 days after issuance.