Topeka, KS Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 5.115 TMC defines a 'peddler' as anyone who goes onto private residential property, uninvited, carrying merchandise to sell, and a 'solicitor' as anyone who goes onto private residential property, uninvited, to take orders for future sale of merchandise or services (TMC 5.115.010). TMC 5.115.020(b) makes it unlawful to conduct business as a peddler or solicitor without a license issued under the chapter, unless the activity is sponsored by an educational institution, religious organization, civic organization or not-for-profit organization. Applicants apply to the City Clerk under TMC 5.115.030 and must disclose whether they held a peddler's, solicitor's or transient vending license revoked by Topeka or another municipality in the prior two years, and, specifically for peddlers and solicitors, whether they were convicted within the preceding 10 years of a felony or misdemeanor crime against a person under K.S.A.

Chapter 21, Article 54, or theft, burglary or criminal use of a financial card under Article 58; the Police Chief or a designee runs the background review. The annual fee, plus the background-check cost, follows the City's fee schedule, and the license expires December 31 of the year issued. TMC 5.115.040 lets the City Clerk deny an application for fraud or misrepresentation, an incomplete application or unpaid fee, a disqualifying conviction, or a revocation within the prior two years; an applicant may appeal a denial (other than one for an incomplete application or unpaid fee) to the City Council under TMC 5.05.120.

TMC 5.115.050(b) bars peddlers and solicitors from operating between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., and TMC 5.115.060 requires them to display their license on request.