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Peddler Solicitor Vendor
Solicitor, Peddler, and Itinerant Vendor Licensing Process
Any person desiring to act as a peddler, solicitor or itinerant vendor in Prince William County must comply with all provisions of County Code Chapter 18 Article II. The Prince William County Police Department only accepts two valid forms of identifcation based on the Virginia State Police ID Validation Guide. To ensure compliance with county ordinances, all applicants must complete the following steps in order. The Licensing Section serves as your starting and ending point.
PATH TO LICENSING
Expand all- Step 1: Initial Intake (Police Department Licensing Section)
Please make an appointment online to visit the Police Department Licensing Section to submit your application. The Police Department's Licensing Section is located at, 8406 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110. Applications are accepted only at the following times: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- What happens: You will undergo an initial background check and receive your official Sign-Off Packet. To ensure your background check goes smoothly, please provide two forms of identification; one of which must be government-issued with a photo on it. The other may be your Social Security card, vehicle registration, birth certificate, or another government-issued photo ID card such as a passport.
- Why it matters: This background check ensures public safety by vetting applicants for histories of crime or fraud before they interact with the public. Once cleared, you will receive the Sign-Off Packet required to track your progress through the remaining departments.
- Fees: There is a $20 processing fee for each application. Payment may be made in cash or by credit card.
- Step 2: Additional Departmental Approvals
Take your Sign-Off Packet to the following offices for review. You must obtain approval from all three before returning to the Police Department Licensing Section:
- Health Department: Ensures all food handling and safety standards are met (if applicable).
- Zoning Administration: Verifies that your intended vending locations comply with county land-use regulations.
- Finance Office: Confirms all business taxes and licensing fees are addressed.
- Step 3: Final Police Department Review & Issuance
Once all departmental sign-offs are collected, return the completed packet with your health inspection (if applicable), all zoning documents (if applicable), and the Prince William County business license to the Police Department Licensing Section.
- Final Step: We will perform a final compliance review for all necessary documentation.
- Bonds: Under County Code 18-20, a $5,000 cash or corporate surety bond is needed to obtain a Solicitor, Peddler, or Itinerant Vendor license.
- Outcome: Upon successful review, your Solicitor, Peddler, or Itinerant Vendor license will be issued.
- Additional Steps, If Applicable
Depending on the nature of your business or event, you may require one of the following specialized permits. These processes are distinct from the standard vendor license:
- Event Sponsor Permits: Required for individuals or organizations hosting and coordinating five or more vendors for a specific event. Individuals wishing to obtain an Event Sponsor Permit will follow the same steps as a Solicitor, Peddler, and Itinerant Vendor license. Under County Code 18-18, a $15,000 cash or corporate surety bond is needed to obtain. Bring the completed Event Sponsor application in person to the Police Department's Licensing Section, 8406 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110.
- Temporary Activity Permits (TAP): Required for short-term activities that may fall outside standard zoning or vending categories. Please contact the Prince William County Zoning Administration at 703-792-6830 or visit in person at 5 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.
