Frederick County, VA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 155-103, Peddlers
- License tax
- Same rate as retail sales license
- Nonprofit exemption
- Religious, charitable, fraternal, school groups (occasional sales)
- Farmer exemption
- Own farm products, wood, charcoal exempt
- Max penalty
- $2,500 fine and/or 12 months jail
- Transfer
- License not prorated or transferable
Summary
Anyone who carries goods from place to place in Frederick County to sell or barter, including door-to-door sellers without a fixed storefront, must hold a peddler's license under County Code § 155-103. Religious, charitable, fraternal and school groups running occasional sales are exempt, as are farmers selling their own produce.
§ 155-103. Peddlers. ... A. Any person who shall carry from place to place any goods, wares or merchandise and offer to sell or barter the same or actually sell or barter the same shall be deemed to be a peddler and shall obtain a license therefor. Any person licensed as a peddler may sell any personal property a merchant may sell, or he may exchange the same for other articles. ... ... C. Activities which would otherwise be subject to the tax pursuant to this provision are exempt from any license tax, provided that they are conducted on an occasional-sales basis and are carried on by religious, benevolent, charitable, fraternal or school organization that is chartered or meets on a regular basis within this County for religious, benevolent, charitable, fraternal or school purposes insuring no profit to any individual.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 155, Article XVI of the Frederick County Code treats door-to-door selling as a licensed activity rather than a matter left to the retailer's general license. A defines a peddler as any person who carries goods, wares or merchandise from place to place and offers to sell or barter it, and subsection B extends that definition to anyone without a regular place of business open during set hours who offers goods for sale away from a fixed location, including sellers who maintain a store but go out to sell door to door or place to place.
A. D, so a solicitor pays what a shopkeeper would for the same volume of business. B, including a dairyman delivering milk, butter, cream and eggs from a vehicle on County streets. A makes selling door to door without the required license a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
Violations & Fines
Peddling or door-to-door soliciting in Frederick County without the license required by § 155-103 is unlawful under § 155-110.A, carrying a fine of up to $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, or both. Section 155-110.B blocks any license, peddler's included, until the applicant's delinquent County taxes are paid, and § 155-110.C leaves the underlying tax owed regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell door to door in Frederick County?
Are charities exempt from the peddler's license?
Can a farmer sell produce door to door without this license?
What is the penalty for peddling without a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
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