Difference between a transient merchant, peddler and solicitor
- Transient merchant: A person who temporarily sells and delivers goods from a building, structure, vacant lot or railroad car.
- Peddler: A person who goes door-to-door physically selling goods (i.e., food, merchandise, etc.). Peddlers seek out customers and are not stopped or parked waiting for customers to come to them.
- Solicitor: A person who goes door-to-door seeking donations (other than political campaigns) or taking “orders" for goods or services.
A person can be an individual or a member of group.
Dakota County only issues transient merchant licenses
Dakota County only issues licenses to transient merchants. If you are a peddler or solicitor, please contact the city for license or permit information.
A transient merchant does not include a seller or exhibitor in a firearms collector show involving two or more sellers or exhibitors.
The license is valid at one sale location only. It is not valid for more than one person, unless that person is a member of a co-partnership. The license is only valid in Dakota County.
Fees
$150, payable by cash, check or credit card. Make checks payable to: Dakota County. The licenses are valid one year from the date of issuance.
Required documents
Application for Transient Merchant License
Certificate of Compliance with MN Worker's Compensation
License Applicant Information
Complete the above applications forms and include:
- A Surety Bond, conditioned on the terms as stated in Minnesota Statute 329.11, in an amount not less than $1,000 nor more than $3,000 made payable to Dakota County.
- An itemized list of merchandise to be offered for sale, listing a description of each item, serial number of each item, actual cost of each item, and a designation by number corresponding with a number to be affixed to each items by a tag which shall be kept fastened to the item at all times until sold.
- A copy of the seller’s permit as issued under Minnesota Statute 297A.83 or a written statement from the applicant stating that applicant is not offering for sale any item that is taxable under Chapter 291A.
Apply by mail
Send the completed application forms, necessary fees and additional required documents to:
Dakota County Public Services & Revenue
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Penalties
Any person, either as principal or agent, conducting business as a transient merchant without having first obtained a license is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
For more information, see Minnesota Statutes 329.099-329.17 and Chapter 297A.83.