Lawrence, Massachusetts: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a permit and license, per rep. It is unlawful to solicit or canvass in the city without one (5.16.020). The chapter covers anyone going house to house taking orders for goods for future delivery or for services to be performed in the future (5.16.010).
• Where it comes from: The Lawrence licensing board, on a sworn application in duplicate. The board sends it to the Chief of Police for investigation; on police approval the board delivers the permit and issues the license once the fee is paid (5.16.030, 5.16.040).
• Fee: A $10.00 investigation fee at filing (5.16.030(B)), then the license fee: $5.00 per day, $25.00 per week, $50.00 per month or $100.00 per year. An annual license bought on or after July 1 is half price for the rest of the year (5.16.050). Every applicant also files a $1,000.00 surety bond approved by the city attorney (5.16.060).
• Hours you may knock: The Canvassers and Solicitors chapter sets no knocking hours.
• What the rep carries: The license, shown at the request of any citizen (5.16.070) and to any police officer who asks (5.16.080).
• What takes the time: The police investigation, which checks the application for false statements and any conviction involving moral turpitude (5.16.040). The application names two county residents as character references (or other evidence of good character), the employer and credentials, and any convictions (5.16.030(A)). The bond needs city attorney approval (5.16.060). No processing time is published.
• Code: Municipal Code of Lawrence, Chapter 5.16 — Canvassers and Solicitors (5.16.010 to 5.16.120, Ord. dated 3/21/91). Municode shows the code codified through Document No. 132/2022, approved June 7, 2022 (Supp. No. 8).
• Worth knowing: Annual licenses expire December 31 of the year issued (5.16.120). The license board can revoke a license after notice and hearing for fraud, a violation of the chapter or conduct that is a menace to public welfare (5.16.100). Nonprofit and charitable organizations are exempt (5.16.010).
• Read it yourself: Lawrence Code, Chapter 5.16 — Canvassers and Solicitors · Lawrence Code of Ordinances (Municode) · checked 21 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• How long the police investigation takes
• Whether the $1,000.00 bond can cover a whole company or must be filed per rep
• Whether the fees in 5.16.050 are still current, since the chapter dates from 1991

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________