Do all businesses in Virginia need a business license?

By Carter Sullivan

Not every Virginia business needs a license. However, many types of businesses either can or must get one or more licenses or permits. Different licenses and permits are issued by different agencies. For example, certain permits related to environmental regulations are issued by the Department of Environmental Quality.

What is considered a small business in Virginia?

“Small business” means a business that is at least 51% independently owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens, and together with affiliates, has 250 or fewer employees, or average annual gross receipts of $10 million or less averaged over the previous three years.

Does a sole proprietorship need a business license in Virginia?

There isn’t a requirement in Virginia for sole proprietors to acquire a general business license, but depending on the nature of your business you may need other licenses and/or permits to operate in a compliant fashion.

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

How is small business determined?

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), a small business is defined by the average number of employees employed over the past 12 months, and/or the average annual receipts earned over the past three years.

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

Is a corporate seal required in Virginia?

The corporate seal is a mark of identity. A corporate seal is no longer required by LLCs or Corporations and any state in the United States.

How much does it cost to register a corporation in Virginia?

Annual Registration Fees

Type of Entity Fee
Stock Corporations 10% of the annual registration fee or $10, whichever is greater.
Nonstock Corporations $10
Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships and Business Trusts $25

How much does it cost to start a LLC in VA?

The cost to start a Virginia limited liability company (LLC) online is $100. This fee is paid to the Virginia State Corporation Commission when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization. Use our free Form an LLC in Virginia guide to do it yourself.

Not every Virginia business needs a license. However, many types of businesses either can or must get one or more licenses or permits. Some businesses may be exempt from local licensing requirements under state or federal law.

How much is a business license in Virginia?

Cost of Business License The cost of the business license is based upon your estimate of total gross receipts from the day the business opens to December 31 of the same year. If the estimate is less than $100,000, the license will cost $50.00 which is the minimum tax.

Does an LLC need a business license in Virginia?

Nearly all businesses in Virginia need a local business license, and may also need a zoning permit. Business licenses are expedited at the county or city level by the Commissioner of Revenue or Department of Finance, and zoning permits are handled by the city/county Zoning Office.

How do I get a small business license in Virginia?

How to Start a Small Business in Virginia

  1. Virginia Business Licensing Information. Contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation at 804-367-8500 about licensing requirements.
  2. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  3. Register Your Business.

What kind of licenses do you need to start a business in Virginia?

What Business Licenses and Permits are Needed in Virginia? Starting a business in Virginia will mean potentially registering with a number of federal, state, and local agencies. Let’s take a look at common licenses and permits a business will register for in Virginia.

Do you have to renew your Virginia business license every year?

Many of these businesses must also renew their registration annually. In addition, any business, including sole proprietors, that operates in Virginia under a name other than their legal name must register a fictitious name certificate with the Office of the Clerk for the Circuit Court in the county or city where they are located.

When do you need a business license for a business?

The problem with the term business license is that it is often used when describing the several other registrations a business may need such as sales tax permits, resale certificates, and occupational permits.

How to become a sole proprietorship in Virginia?

Sole Proprietorships without employees can use the owner’s Social Security Number. There is no cost for an EIN, and it only takes a few minutes to get. Most businesses will need to register with the Virginia Department of Taxation to receive a Virginia Tax Account Number.