Reading, Pennsylvania: door-to-door solicitor permit

• The answer: Yes — a Soliciting and Canvassing Permit from the Reading Police Department, per the department's own application. It covers one activity of no more than seven (7) days; each further period needs another permit, and every participant is listed on the application.
• Where it comes from: The Reading Police Department — the Chief of Police approves or denies. Every person on the application must appear in person, with photo identification, at the office of the Chief of Police.
• Fee: The police permit is free if approved, per the application. The same form says the company may need a City of Reading business license first; the business license cost is left blank on the form and is not published there.
• Hours you may knock: No solicitation or canvassing before 9:00 AM or after 7:00 PM, Sunday through Saturday (application form).
• What the rep carries: Identification and the permit, at all times while soliciting (application form).
• What takes the time: A background check by the Chief of Police on every person named. At least ten (10) business days' notice before the start date. Every participant appears in person with photo ID. The same area cannot be solicited again within an eight (8) week time frame.
• Code: City of Reading Code of Ordinances, Chapter 410 (Peddling and Soliciting), 410-203 Permit requirements, on American Legal Publishing — the code text could not be read; this card rests on the Police Department's application.
• Worth knowing: No going to a home that posts a "No Soliciting" sign. A resident's invitation to come back on a day outside the permit is allowed, per the form. Juvenile participants need one adult supervisor for every four (4).
• Read it yourself: City of Reading Police Department — Soliciting and Canvassing Permit Application (PDF) · Reading Code 410-203 — Permit requirements (not read, host blocked) · checked 21 September 2026

Ask the clerk, and write the answer down:

• The cost of the City of Reading business license the form says may be needed
• Whether each rep is named on one company application or needs a separate permit
• Whether the eight-week rule applies to a whole neighborhood or only the exact streets listed

Clerk’s name ______________ Direct line ______________ Date called ______________