Fairfax County, VA Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors: Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 31-2-1, Fairfax County Code
- License fee
- $20.00, non-refundable
- Issuing agency
- Dept. of Consumer Affairs
- Penalty
- Class 2 misdemeanor
Summary
Anyone canvassing, peddling, or soliciting goods on Fairfax County streets, including from a temporary stand, must first obtain a license from the Department of Consumer Affairs.
It shall be unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to engage in such business or act within the meaning and application of this Chapter within the County without first obtaining a license therefor in compliance with the provisions of this Article. However, a person may obtain a promoter's license in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 31-2-4 to sponsor an arts and crafts show where peddlers, itinerant merchants, or solicitors may engage in business without obtaining separate licenses for each peddler, itinerant merchant, or solicitor who participates in that show. Any license issued pursuant to this Chapter shall remain the property of Fairfax County, Virginia, and upon written notification from the Director, any person who has been issued a license which has been suspended or revoked shall surrender and return that license to the Department. (2-18-70; 1961 Code, § 18-3; 16-73-31; 22-84-31; 10-93-31, § 1.)
Full Breakdown
Section 31-2-1 makes it unlawful for any canvasser, peddler, or solicitor to engage in that business within Fairfax County without first obtaining a license under Chapter 31. 'Peddle' is defined in Section 31-1-1 to include operating from a temporary stand or display, or traveling street to street offering goods for sale. Licenses are obtained from the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs for a $20.00 fee and must be produced on request to a customer, the Director, or police.
Violations & Fines
Peddling or soliciting without a license, or refusing to show it on request, is unlawful under Chapter 31 and punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor per Section 31-1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do street vendors need a license in Fairfax County?
What does a Fairfax County peddler license cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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