Newport News requires peddlers, solicitors, and transient merchants who sell goods or services door-to-door or at temporary locations to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor–Transient Merchant License. Applicants must disclose prior criminal convictions; operating without a license is a misdemeanor.
Chapter 23 (Licenses) of the Newport News Code of Ordinances requires any person acting as a peddler (immediate delivery), solicitor (future delivery), or transient merchant (temporary fixed location) to obtain a local license before conducting business. The license application, processed through the Commissioner of the Revenue, requires disclosure of the three most recent business locations where the applicant has operated and a statement of any felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor convictions within the past five years (excluding minor traffic violations). Charitable and political canvassers may be exempt under First Amendment protections. Enforcement is handled by Newport News Police and Codes Compliance.
Operating as a peddler, solicitor, or transient merchant without a valid license is a misdemeanor under Chapter 23. Each day of unlicensed operation may constitute a separate offense, with fines and possible court costs assessed.
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