WV Business License Basics
If you have a business in West Virginia you are required to have a license to operate. There are various types of West 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 expected 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 understand the licensing rules in West Virginia and follow them it could lead to expensive fines and putting your business in jeopardy.
Types of Business Licenses in West Virginia
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates 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 activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Nearly all West Virginia businesses will need to obtain some kind of state business license to be able to legally operate. At the minimum a business should get a professional or occupational license. West Virginia business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local West Virginia governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to acquire some sort of local business license to be able to operate in West 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 West Virginia Business License
The steps you have got to take to obtain a business license in West Virginia will vary depending on what sort of business license you have to get. Regardless of what type of license you are trying to get you will have to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you will have numerous forms to fill out. Be ready 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 West Virginia business licenses they need to get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need assistance with licensing, the SBA is the best place to find out more.
Maintaining Your West Virginia Business License
Once you get your West Virginia business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended if you want 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 intend to change or expand your business make sure you verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.