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

TMC Chapter 5.115 governs peddlers, solicitors and itinerant merchants in Topeka. Applicants apply through the City Clerk's Office at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166, in person or by mail, email, or fax. Each individual solicitor must be listed on the application, submit photo identification, and consent to a Topeka Police Department background check that is bundled into the $250 license fee. Licenses expire December 31 regardless of when issued, so applications late in the year are not prorated. Sidewalk vendors are licensed separately under TMC 5.115.080. Religious, political, and non-commercial canvassing are generally exempt under First Amendment protections, but commercial sellers — including home-improvement, security, and energy sales — must license. Residents may post 'No Soliciting' signs at their door; under city policy a posted sign is treated as a withdrawal of consent and continuing to solicit at that address can trigger a citation. Complaints about unlicensed solicitors go to Topeka Police non-emergency dispatch.