John Iwuozor is a freelance writer with expertise in the technology field. He has written for a host of top tech companies, the likes of Technologyadvice, Tripwire amongst others. He's an avid chess lover and loves exploring new domains.
John Iwuozor ContributorJohn Iwuozor is a freelance writer with expertise in the technology field. He has written for a host of top tech companies, the likes of Technologyadvice, Tripwire amongst others. He's an avid chess lover and loves exploring new domains.
Written By John Iwuozor ContributorJohn Iwuozor is a freelance writer with expertise in the technology field. He has written for a host of top tech companies, the likes of Technologyadvice, Tripwire amongst others. He's an avid chess lover and loves exploring new domains.
John Iwuozor ContributorJohn Iwuozor is a freelance writer with expertise in the technology field. He has written for a host of top tech companies, the likes of Technologyadvice, Tripwire amongst others. He's an avid chess lover and loves exploring new domains.
Contributor Kelly Main Staff ReviewerKelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.
Kelly Main Staff ReviewerKelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.
Written By Kelly Main Staff ReviewerKelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.
Kelly Main Staff ReviewerKelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.
Staff Reviewer Jane Haskins, J.D. contributorJane Haskins practiced law for 20 years, representing small businesses in startup, dissolution, business transactions and litigation. She has written hundreds of articles on legal, intellectual property and tax issues affecting small businesses.
Jane Haskins, J.D. contributorJane Haskins practiced law for 20 years, representing small businesses in startup, dissolution, business transactions and litigation. She has written hundreds of articles on legal, intellectual property and tax issues affecting small businesses.
Jane Haskins, J.D. contributorJane Haskins practiced law for 20 years, representing small businesses in startup, dissolution, business transactions and litigation. She has written hundreds of articles on legal, intellectual property and tax issues affecting small businesses.
Jane Haskins, J.D. contributorJane Haskins practiced law for 20 years, representing small businesses in startup, dissolution, business transactions and litigation. She has written hundreds of articles on legal, intellectual property and tax issues affecting small businesses.
Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 12:05pm
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Virginia is a fantastic place to start or grow your business. The bustling cities and beaches make it one of the most beautiful states in the country. If you’re setting up a business in Virginia, you need to know about any state government requirements for licenses and permits. In this article, we’ll walk through the basics on how to get a Virginia business license and other permits you may need to conduct business legally in the state.
Virginia does not require a statewide business license, however, it does have licensing or certification requirements for certain professions and occupations.
Real estate brokers, engineers and home inspectors, for example, must obtain a state license. You’ll need an ABC license to sell alcohol. These licenses and permits are regulated and issued by different agencies. For example, healthcare licenses are issued by the Department of Health Professions, while CPA licenses are issued by the Board of Accountancy.
You will need licenses and permits in Virginia if you’re going to conduct certain types of business activities, such as operating a restaurant, working as a contractor on construction projects or acting as a real estate agent.
You may also need a more general business license from the city or county where your business is based. Many Virginia localities require all businesses to obtain a business license before they open their doors. You may also be responsible for local business license taxes. Some localities may require a special permit or license for certain types of business activities. Call your local government office before opening for business or conduct research on your city’s laws to ensure you comply with the appropriate regulations.
Business licenses include local, state and federal licenses, as well as sales tax and other specific licenses for certain professions. There are also zoning permits to consider.
If a federal agency regulates your business activities, you’ll need to apply for a federal license or permit by contacting the appropriate government department.
The requirements and fees for obtaining a license or permit are determined by the activities of your company and the department issuing the license or permit. It’s best to confirm the cost of a business license with the issuing agency.
Common business areas regulated by the federal government include:
Some of these licenses and permits are only valid for a certain amount of time and would require renewing at the proper time.
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The first step to getting a Virginia business license is to name and form your company if you have not already done so. If you have not yet started your business, check out one of our guides on starting a business, forming an LLC or, if you’d rather someone else do it for you, the Best LLC Services.
In order to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Virginia, you must first file articles of organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. For service of process, you’ll also need to establish a registered agent in Virginia.
Once you have begun a business, make sure you have your key business details in order and ready for beginning your business license application. You will need:
Once you have gathered the necessary information, you’ll need to apply for a business license and/or business tax certificate for your city or county. Visit the website of your city or, if you live in an unincorporated area, your county and fill out the appropriate forms to begin the process.
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) handles the majority of this licensure. Various professional regulating bodies and regulated professions and occupations are listed on the DPOR website.
Using dpor.virginia.gov, you should determine which other licenses controlled on the local or statewide level may be applicable for your business and submit the appropriate information to apply for those licenses.
If your business is renting or selling tangible goods, you will need a seller’s permit, which is regulated on a statewide level.
You must register with the Department of Taxation to collect sales tax if you will be selling items in Virginia. You can use the same portal to register for other state taxes accounts as well.
Finally, though the federal government does not require or issue any general business operating licenses, you may be required to obtain licenses with specific government agencies depending on your business’s industry. Common industries requiring federal permitting include farming, mining, firearms, alcohol sales and aviation.
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The fee for your Virginia business license will vary depending on what type of business you have and the locality where it will be located. Fees usually range from as little as $15 to several hundred dollars.
For example, the price of a business license in the city of Norfolk is determined by the estimate of total gross receipts from the beginning of the business to December 31 of the same year. The license costs $50, which is the minimal tax if the estimate is less than $100,000. However, If your estimate is larger than $100,000, you will be charged a tax rate. For some other cities such as Lynchburg and Williamsburg, a $30 minimum fee is required for the issuance of a business license.
In addition to a general business license from your locality, you may need licenses specific to your business or profession. For statewide professional licenses, you may be required to complete certain educational or training criteria, as well as have prior experience in the sector. It’s possible that you’ll have to take and pass a written exam. In addition, you’ll have to pay a licensing cost.
Each agency in Virginia handles business licensing differently, but most require licenses to be renewed annually or biennially. If you’re not sure, contact the agency from which you originally received your business license.
Though Virginia does not require all businesses to obtain a business license, many cities and counties require all businesses to have a general business license. LLCs are a type of legal entity and will still be required to obtain any appropriate business licensing depending on the type of work conducted. Learn more about what an LLC is and what it means to have one.
A business license is a government-issued permit that allows you to operate a business within a specific jurisdiction. Licenses help ensure that you are following the law and maintaining health and safety standards. A professional license assures your customers that you have the proper training and knowledge to operate your business. Learn more about business licenses.
Just because your business is conducted online does not mean it does not exist at a physical location as far as the government is concerned. Your business is still regulated by the county or city where you operate, so obtaining the appropriate Virginia business licenses is necessary if you operate your business from or in Virginia.
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ContributorJohn Iwuozor is a freelance writer with expertise in the technology field. He has written for a host of top tech companies, the likes of Technologyadvice, Tripwire amongst others. He's an avid chess lover and loves exploring new domains.
Staff ReviewerKelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist covering small business marketing content. She is a former Google Tech Entrepreneur and she holds an MSc in International Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. Additionally, she is a Columnist at Inc. Magazine.
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