Quincy, Massachusetts: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a solicitor or canvasser license, one per rep, plus a Police Department badge worn on an outer garment. It is unlawful to solicit or canvass in the city without first getting the license (234-2), and each licensee must hold an individual license (234-4). The definition covers going house to house taking orders for goods or services, and names home improvement contracting (234-1). Anyone licensed or exempted under MGL c. 101 is outside the article (234-2).
• Where it comes from: The Chief of Police. The application is on a Police Department form, signed under the penalties of perjury, and filed with the Chief (234-3).
• Fee: $50 per applicant, paid when the application is filed (234-3B). Every license runs out on the 31st day of December following issue, so a late-year license is short (234-7).
• Hours you may knock: The article sets no knocking hours. The application asks for the days and hours during which the solicitation is requested to occur (234-3A(5)), so the hours are whatever the Chief approves on the license.
• What the rep carries: The identifying badge issued by the Police Department, worn on an outer garment while soliciting. The license itself shows the rep's name, address, photograph, issue date, term and license number (234-4C).
• What takes the time: The Chief investigates the applicant's reputation as to morals and integrity and must approve or disapprove within seven business days of filing; no action in seven business days counts as approval (234-4). Each rep supplies a two inch by two inch head-and-shoulders photograph and a Social Security number on the form (234-3). Renewal is in person with the same information as a first license (234-8).
• Code: City of Quincy Code Chapter 234, Peddling and Soliciting, Article I, Solicitors and Canvassers (234-1 to 234-11). Article I was adopted 5-17-1993 and last amended 6-1-2020 by Order No. 2020-012.
• Worth knowing: It is unlawful to enter the premises of a resident or business displaying a "no trespassing" or "no soliciting" sign, to ignore a no solicitation directive, or to stay after being told to leave (234-10). A violation is a fine of $50 per offense, and a second conviction means the Chief suspends the license (234-11). Licenses cannot be transferred (234-5). Article II of the same chapter is a separate Hawkers and Peddlers license from the Sealer of Weights and Measures for people selling goods they carry (234-12, 234-17).
• Read it yourself: City of Quincy Code Chapter 234, Peddling and Soliciting · checked 19 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• What knocking hours does the Chief of Police approve on a solicitor license?
• Is there a separate charge for the badge, or is it covered by the application fee?
• Does a rep who holds a state license under MGL c. 101 still need to check in with Quincy Police?

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________