# Selling at events in Northern Virginia.

To sell at a market or festival in Virginia, collect sales tax at the event's local rate: vendors at three or fewer events a year can file Form ST-50 instead of registering. Depending on the locality you may also need a local license, and food vendors need a temporary food establishment permit from the local health department.

_Updated 2026-10-10._

## Three events or fewer.

- Vendors at three or fewer events a year can collect and pay sales tax using Form ST-50 without registering.
- More than three events a year means registering a sales tax account.
- Collect at the rate where the event is held: 6% in Northern Virginia, 1% on groceries.

## By locality.

- Fairfax County: a Solicitors License for selling from a temporary location costs $35, applied for in person.
- Alexandria: business license tax for itinerant vendors is $500 a year; peddlers pay $250 (consumables only) or $500.
- Loudoun: vendors at events of 7 days or less in unincorporated Loudoun are exempt from the county business license.
- Arlington: food vendors at events collect Arlington's 5% meals tax.

## Temporary food permits.

- Fairfax County: apply in PLUS at least 10 days ahead; a one-time $40 fee covers the calendar year.
- Arlington: $40 where applicable, at least 10 business days ahead, with a Certified Food Protection Manager on site.
- Alexandria: a Temporary Food Event Vendor Permit at least 30 days ahead.

## Before you rely on this.

This guide summarizes official sources and isn't legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the agency before you apply.

## Questions

**Do I need to register for Virginia sales tax to sell at one festival?**

Not if you sell at three or fewer events a year: collect the tax and pay it with Form ST-50.

## Related

- [Special event permits for organizers](https://bzar.app/guides/special-event-permits-dmv)
- [Vendor licenses in Maryland](https://bzar.app/guides/vendor-license-maryland)

## Sources

- https://www.tax.virginia.gov/news/vendor-tips-fall-festival-season
- https://www.tax.virginia.gov/retail-sales-and-use-tax
- https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title23/agency10/chapter210/section570/
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd/regulation-licensing/canvassers-peddlers-promoters-solicitors
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/permits/temporary-food-establishment
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/sites/health/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/TemporaryEventGuidelines43.2.pdf
- https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Health/Temporary-Food-Establishment-Licenses
- https://www.arlingtonva.us/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/parks-recreation/documents/special-events/special-event-checklist.pdf
- https://alexandriava.gov/taxes/business-license-tax
- https://alexandriava.gov/environmental-health/program/health-permits-and-licenses
- https://www.loudoun.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=191