Bowie, MD Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Chapter 18 of the City of Bowie Code, Peddlers, Solicitors, Etc., requires anyone engaging in the business of a peddler or solicitor, defined broadly in § 18-1 to include hawking, vending, or taking orders for wares, merchandise, or services on City streets or house to house, to first obtain a license under § 18-2. Applicants file a signed application under § 18-4 disclosing their physical description, employer or business association, a description of the goods or services offered, two character references who have known the applicant at least two years, two photographs, vehicle information if used, any criminal convictions, and any required county permit number.

The City Manager investigates the applicant's business and moral character under § 18-5 before issuing the license for a $25 fee under § 18-6. A denied applicant can appeal to the Mayor and Council, who must render a decision within 60 days under § 18-7. Once issued, the license is valid for one year under § 18-8 and must be carried and displayed on demand; renewal requires a new written application and another $25 fee filed 30 to 60 days before expiration under § 18-9.

The City Manager may deny, suspend for up to 90 days, or revoke a license for falsified information, fraud, unlawful acts, or refusing to leave a property when asked, under § 18-10. Section 18-12 bars peddling within 100 feet of a school driveway while school is in session, and § 18-13 bars peddling or soliciting anywhere in the City between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Several categories are exempt under § 18-3, including wholesale sales, newspaper or milk delivery, farm produce sellers, and approved charitable organizations.