VA Business License Basics
If you have a business in Virginia you are required to have a license to operate. There are many different types of Virginia business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that has to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t know the licensing rules in Virginia and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in Virginia
Federal Business Licenses – The U.S. government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business takes part in any one of these federally regulated activities you will have to get a federal business license.
Activities that will be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activity
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – The majority of Virginia businesses must obtain some type of state business license so as to legally operate. At the very least a business should get a professional or occupational license. Virginia business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Virginia governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some type of local business license in order to operate in Virginia.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide selection of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Virginia Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Virginia will vary depending on which type of business license you need. It doesn't matter what type of license you are attempting to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply detailed information about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be prepared to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of Virginia business licenses they should get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the perfect place to find out more.
Maintaining Your Virginia Business License
Once you get your Virginia business licenses and permits you must still maintain them yearly to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended in order to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Keep track of when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you would like to change or expand your business be sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.