Vienna, VA Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)

Vienna regulates commercial door-to-door solicitation through a permit-based ordinance authorized by VA Code Section 15.2-1100 et seq. Commercial solicitors (selling goods, services, or subscriptions) typically must: obtain a Town solicitation permit with identification and background check; carry the permit visibly during canvassing; conduct solicitation only during approved hours (commonly 9:00 AM to sunset or 8:00 PM, not on Sundays or major holidays); leave premises immediately when asked; and honor posted No Solicitation or No Trespassing signs on individual homes. Violations can result in permit revocation and Class 4 misdemeanor charges (VA Code Section 18.2-11). Religious canvassers (Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, other faiths) and political canvassers (campaign volunteers, ballot petitioners) receive robust First Amendment protection under Watchtower Bible & Tract Society v Village of Stratton (536 US 150, 2002), which struck down broad permit requirements on non-commercial canvassing. Vienna's ordinance generally exempts religious and political activity from permit requirements, though time-of-day and anti-fraud rules may still apply. Charitable solicitors may face middle-ground requirements including registration with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) under VA Code Section 57-49. Posted No Solicitation signs carry binding legal weight; solicitors violating them commit trespass under VA Code Section 18.2-119.