Prince William County, VA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any door-to-door sales activity (Sec. 18-16)
- Application fee
- $20.00, nonrefundable (Sec. 18-19)
- Bond
- $5,000.00 individual / $15,000.00 event sponsor
- Investigation window
- 21 days, then deemed approved (Sec. 18-21)
- Term
- 12 months, non-transferable (Secs. 18-25, 18-26)
- Penalty
- Class 2 misdemeanor (Sec. 18-3)
Summary
Anyone peddling, soliciting or itinerant vending door-to-door in Prince William County needs a permit under Sec. 18-16 before starting, on top of any business license tax owed under Chapter 11.1. The application goes through the police department, costs a $20.00 processing fee, and most applicants must post a bond before the permit issues.
It shall be unlawful for any solicitor or peddler or itinerant vendor to engage in any activity described in the definitions provisions of this chapter within the county limits, without first obtaining and possessing a valid permit issued pursuant to this chapter. The permit required under the terms of this chapter shall be in addition to the license and tax required under Chapter 11.1 of this Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 46 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " The Sec. 18-17 application is a sworn statement filed with the police department covering the applicant's name, date of birth, home and business addresses, a description of the goods or services offered, the vehicle to be used if any, the location of the goods, two character references, and state and federal tax ID numbers, accompanied by a duplicate photograph the department will take if the applicant lacks one. Sec. 00 fee to cover processing and the required background investigation, and Sec. 18-21 gives the chief of police 21 days to complete that investigation, after which the application is deemed approved if no decision has issued.
Sec. 00 bond under Sec. 18-18 covering all participants. The permit is valid 12 months under Sec. 18-26, is not transferable under Sec. 18-25, must be carried on the permit holder's person and shown on request under Sec. 18-24, and the chief of police can deny it under Sec. 18-22 for a criminal record or character references indicating the applicant will not comply with the chapter, subject to appeal to the Board of County Supervisors under Sec. 18-28.
Violations & Fines
Soliciting, peddling or itinerant vending without the required permit violates Sec. 18-16 and, like any Chapter 18 violation, is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Sec. 18-3. The chief of police can also revoke an issued permit for fraud, misrepresentation, bond cancellation or any chapter violation under Sec. 18-27, after written notice and a hearing, with appeal rights to the Board of County Supervisors under Sec. 18-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell door-to-door in Prince William County?
How much is the bond required for a solicitor permit?
How long does a Prince William County solicitor permit last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
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