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

Section 9-138 of Article 12 makes a license mandatory: no solicitor, licensee's assistant or similar vendor of food, goods, wares, merchandise, services and other items by whatever term styled, regardless of the organization's status, may do business within the city without a license. Section 9-139 exempts court-ordered sales, wholesale-to-dealer transactions, established city merchants soliciting their own existing customers, and registered not-for-profit or charitable organizations under IRS Section 501; the applicant carries the burden of proving an exemption applies. To apply under Section 9-140, a solicitor files with the commissioner of finance, submits two 2-by-2-inch photographs, and, if using a vehicle, proof of a valid driver's license, registration and insurance.

The city runs a criminal background check under NY Executive Law Section 296(16); a felony conviction for assault, a sex offense, property damage or intrusion, or robbery within five years, or a misdemeanor for trespass, burglar's tools possession, petit larceny, assault, menacing, stalking or harassment within two years, can disqualify an applicant, though the commissioner of finance must give written notice and a chance to submit rehabilitation evidence first. 3, and can be renewed at the same fee. 5; a paid assistant's badge costs $100. 2 if they meet General Business Law Section 32.