Montgomery County, MD Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Yes, from Director of Permitting Services
- License term
- One year (Sec. 47-4)
- Violation class
- Class A violation
- Exempt
- Prior-appointment visits, charities, government events
Summary
Anyone selling or soliciting orders door-to-door in Montgomery County must get a vendor license from the Director of Permitting Services before knocking on doors.
Vendor means any person who sells, offers to sell, or solicits orders for any goods (including perishable foods) or services: (1) on any public street, sidewalk, or other public property or right-of-way; (2) door-to-door in a vehicle or on foot... Any vendor must obtain a license from the Director.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 47 defines a "vendor" to include anyone who sells, offers to sell, or solicits orders for goods or services door-to-door in a vehicle or on foot. Section 47-3 requires that vendor to obtain a license from the Director by completing an application, providing written permission from any private property owner where the vendor will be located, filing a surety bond if required, and paying a fee. The license, once issued, is good for one year under Section 47-4 and must be displayed on the vendor's person. Solicitors invited by prior appointment, charitable organizations, and government-sanctioned programs are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Selling without a license is enforceable by the Department of Permitting Services or the Police Department; goods can be seized after a warning, and any violation of Chapter 47 is a class A violation (Sec. 47-8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Montgomery County vendor license cover door-to-door sales?
Who is exempt from the Montgomery County vendor license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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