West Virginia Statewide Rule

West Virginia Transient Vendor and Solicitor Licensing

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across West Virginia (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: W. Va. Code §11-12-20 and §11-12-21
Registration: With State Tax Commissioner
Security bond: $500 (may be reduced or waived)
Scope: Statewide registration
Exemptions: Charitable, religious, political canvassing

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: West Virginia Legislature

Summary

Door-to-door sellers and temporary vendors must register as transient vendors with the West Virginia State Tax Commissioner under W. Va. Code §11-12-20 and post a $500 security bond under §11-12-21. The registration is valid statewide, and localities may still require their own solicitor permits.

(a) With its application for a business registration certificate, a transient vendor shall post a bond with the Tax Commissioner in the amount of $500 as surety for compliance with the provisions of this article. After a period of demonstrated compliance with these provisions, the Tax Commissioner may reduce the amount of the bond required of a transient vendor or may eliminate the bond entirely.

Source: West Virginia LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under W. Va. Code §11-12-20, a transient vendor, anyone selling goods from a temporary location or door-to-door, must obtain a business registration certificate from the State Tax Commissioner before operating. Section 11-12-21 requires the vendor to post $500 in security (surety bond, cash, or letter of credit) to guarantee tax compliance; the Commissioner may later reduce or waive it. State registration is separate from local rules, and municipalities may impose their own solicitor licensing and reasonable time-and-place restrictions. Bona fide charitable, religious, and political canvassing is treated as protected speech, not commercial vending.

Violations & Penalties

Selling as a transient vendor without registering with the State Tax Commissioner, or without posting the required $500 security under W. Va. Code §11-12, exposes the seller to tax assessment, penalties, and bond forfeiture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a West Virginia transient vendor registration?

Anyone selling tangible goods door-to-door, from temporary stands, or as an itinerant vendor must register with the State Tax Commissioner under W. Va. Code §11-12-20 and post a $500 security bond under §11-12-21.

Are charity and religious canvassers required to register?

No. Bona fide charitable, religious, and political canvassing is protected speech and is not treated as transient vending, though localities may impose reasonable safety and time-place registration.

Sources

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