Massachusetts Statewide Rule
Massachusetts Hawkers and Peddlers Statewide Licensing
Key Facts
- Statute
- G.L. c. 101
- License Issuer
- Division of Standards
- Veteran Fee
- Free under Sec. 22
- Local Permit
- Often also required
Summary
Massachusetts requires hawkers and peddlers selling goods door-to-door to obtain a state license from the Division of Standards in addition to local permits.
Section 22. The deputy director may grant a license to go about carrying for sale or barter, exposing therefor and selling or bartering any goods, wares or merchandise, the sale of which is not prohibited by section 16, to a person who is or has declared an intention to become a citizen of the United States and who files with the deputy director a completely executed application to be furnished by the deputy director and on which shall be a certificate which shall be signed by the chief of police of the city or town in which the applicant resides which shall state that to the best of his knowledge and belief the applicant therein named is of good repute as to morals and integrity.
Full Breakdown
G.L. c. 101 governs hawkers, peddlers, and transient vendors statewide. Hawkers (those who travel selling goods) and peddlers must obtain a state license from the Division of Standards. Section 17 requires displaying the license badge while soliciting. Veterans may obtain free hawker/peddler licenses under Section 22. Cities and towns may also require local solicitor permits under c. 101 Section 33, but the state license is a baseline statewide requirement that cannot be waived.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without a state license is punishable by fines up to $200 per offense and seizure of goods under G.L. c. 101 Section 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nonprofit and political solicitors covered?
What does the state license cost?
Sources
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