Know before you open: solicitation in Menlo Park

Published on August 04, 2025

Door to door solicitor

In Menlo Park, anyone going door-to-door to sell goods or services must have a city permit and business license.

  • They must carry the permit with them and show it if you ask.
  • Soliciting is only allowed from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Anyone without a permit is not allowed to solicit in the City.
  • Nonprofit, political and religious organizations are exempt from the permit requirement.

If an unpermitted solicitor comes to your door:

  1. Do not let them in unless you're confident they're authorized. Do not ever let someone you don’t know into your home!
  2. Politely decline and ask to see their permit and business license.
  3. If they cannot produce proper documentation, call the non‐emergency Menlo Park Police Department at 650‐330‐6300 to report the incident.
  4. If they become aggressive, demanding or repeatedly visit your home without permission, you can request that officers respond.

For more details on solicitation rules and permits, review Municipal Code Chapter 5.40. For questions, contact the Menlo Park Police Department at 650-330-6300 or email police@menlopark.gov.

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