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Police - Solicitor's Permits

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1. What is your contact information and where are you located?

Permits are issued out of the Plano Police Department and the hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The department is located at 909 14th Street in downtown Plano on the corner of 14th Street and Avenue H. You may contact us at (972) 941-2426 or pdpermits@plano.gov.

The mailing address is as follows:

Plano Police Department Attn: Solicitor Permits PO Box 860358 Plano, TX 75086

2. Why are solicitor’s permits required within the City of Plano?

Solicitor’s Permits are required for all commercial solicitation on residential or
City-owned property. Permits are not required for charitable or non-profit organizations, but they must still comply with Plano’s soliciting ordinance as well as soliciting on commercial property, including parking lots; this falls under trespassing laws.

3. What is the process to obtain a Solicitor’s Permit?

Businesses are required to complete a Business Solicitor’s Permit Application. This is designed for the owner, manager, supervisor, or representative of said business.
In addition to the completed business permit application, a photocopy of one’s government-issued ID as well as a sample or copy of the handbill, flyer or business card you intend on soliciting with will be required.
Additionally, each individual who solicits on your business' behalf must complete an Individual Solicitor’s Permit Application and attach a photo copy of their government-issued ID. More information is available on the New Solicitor's Permit webpage.

4. What forms of government ID are accepted and should I provide with my completed application?

Acceptable ID Documents:

Current Driver’s License

Current United States Passport

Unacceptable ID Documents

Expired Driver’s License

Expired United States Passport

Social Security Card

5. Is there a cost to obtain a Solicitor’s Permit?

Payment of $20.00 will be required when all applications (business and all individuals soliciting for the business) are submitted. Please submit all business and individual applications at the same time; additional applications cannot be added once the solicitor's permit packet has been received.

6. What methods of payment do you accept?

The following types of payment may be used:

Cash, Checks and credit cards

Checks can be made payable to the “City of Plano”.

Credit Cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

7. How long is a solicitor’s permit valid for?

Each Solicitor’s Permit is valid for a maximum of 30-days.

The issue date and expiration date are indicated on each permit.

City of Plano does not offer the option to extend an individual solicitor's permit past the 30-day expiration date.

8. What do I do once my solicitor’s permit is expired?

Once a solicitor’s permit is expired, the business and any individual(s) soliciting for the business must re-apply using the same paperwork and procedures indicated in the question “What is the process to obtain a Solicitor’s Permit?”
City of Plano does not offer an individual solicitor's permit auto-renewal option.

9. What happens if I solicit for my business without a permit?

Violation of the City of Plano Solicitor’s Ordinance may result in receiving a misdemeanor and a maximum fine up to $500.00, as well as possibly having future solicitor permits denied and revoked.

10. Can I get my Solicitor’s Permit issued to me and my staff immediately?

Our permits coordinator processes applications in the order they are received. According to the city ordinance, it may take up to ten (10) business days to process, issue, and / or deny a solicitor’s permit.

11. Once I submit the Solicitor’s Permit Application(s), can we solicit right away?

No, you cannot legally solicit until your Solicitor’s Permit is issued.

12. If I have a valid Solicitor’s Permit, do I still have to comply with any “No Solicitation” signs I see?

Yes. “No Soliciting” means no soliciting of any kind. This applies to every business with a valid solicitor's permit on file. This applies to non-profit organizations as well.

13. If I have a valid Solicitor’s Permit, and a residence has a “No Soliciting” sign, can I still knock on the door or leave any material on the mailbox?

No. “No Soliciting” means no soliciting of any kind.

14. What about mail boxes? Can I solicit by leaving my flyer/handbill on the mail box? Even if I have a valid Solicitor’s Permit?

No, you may not solicit via mail boxes, even if you have a valid solicitor’s permit.
The federal government / United States Postal Service takes these violations very seriously.
If found soliciting via mailboxes, the business and / or individuals are considered in violation, therefore the violation consequences outlined in Question #9: “What happens if I solicit for my business without a permit?” applies.

15. Am I required to carry my valid Solicitor’s Permit while soliciting within Plano?

Yes. Each permit holder is required to have their permit on their person while soliciting within Plano.

16. What about if I have a valid Solicitor’s Permit, but I just forgot it in my vehicle or at home?

Each permit holder is required to have their permit on their person while soliciting within Plano.

17. If a resident or an officer asks to see my Solicitor’s Permit, am I required to show it to them?

Yes. You must show your valid Solicitor’s Permit to anyone who asks.

18. What are the guidelines for handling unwanted solicitations and handbills at your home?

The solicitation complaint process and forms are available on the city's webpage. Please review the information available and submit your completed forms to pdpermits@plano.gov.