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

Section 18.2-23 requires an in-person, sworn application to the Sheriff disclosing the applicant's personal data corroborated by photo identification, a physical description, two 2-by-2-inch photographs, employer information, a description of the goods or services offered, the entity for which solicitation is sought, any prior criminal convictions with a signed authorization for a background check, the length of time the applicant intends to work in the county, a vehicle description if used, the source of the goods, and two character references. Sec. 18.2-24 sets the fee at $20.00 to cover processing and administration, non-refundable if the permit is refused.

The Sheriff investigates the applicant under Sec. 18.2-26 and, under Sec. 18.2-27, must issue the permit within 15 days of a complete, fee-paid application, or may refuse it for a felony or moral-turpitude conviction within the prior five years, fraud on the application, or missing other required permits or licenses. Sec. 18.2-29 makes the permit valid for one year, non-transferable, and void immediately upon a change of employer, goods sold, or services performed; Sec. 18.2-30 allows renewal for a $5.00 fee. The Sheriff may suspend a permit up to ten days without notice under Sec.

18.2-31, or revoke it after seven days' written notice for cause under Sec. 18.2-32. Denials, suspensions and revocations may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors for a de novo hearing under Sec. 18.2-33, and reapplication is barred for one year after a denial or revocation under Sec. 18.2-34.