City of Virginia Beach Business License

What Is a City of Virginia Beach Business License

A Virginia Beach business license is a document that the city requires to collect taxes on your company and keep track of its operations. While the state of Virginia doesn’t require a business license, each city does to ensure that companies are following zoning rules to remain compliant with the town. Therefore, they’re necessary if you plan on doing business in Virginia Beach.

Who Needs a Business License in Virginia Beach?

The state of Virginia doesn’t require a business license, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need one if you want to start a business in Virginia Beach. In fact, Virginia Beach requires all businesses to have a license for tax and safety purposes.

There are also specialized licenses that you’ll need if you plan on opening a medical or law practice or contracting business. Insurance agents, real estate brokers, financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals will also need a license to operate in Virginia Beach.

How Much Does a Virginia Beach Business License Cost?

The cost of a Virginia Beach business license varies depending on the type of business, how many licenses are required, and a company’s gross receipts. For example, there is an incentive that makes business licenses only $50 for two years if the company has gross receipts that exceed $200,000. The cost can also be as low as $15 if a company isn’t projected to make a lot of money. This is similar to the cost of most business licenses in Virginia.

How To Get a Business License in Virginia Beach

When you follow the appropriate steps, getting a business license in Virginia Beach is simple. Typically, you need to start a business and then apply for a business license. Learn more about each part of the process below.

Step 1: Create Your Business

First things first, you need to start a business if you want to apply for a business license. If you’re a freelancer or private contractor, the City of Virginia Beach likely treats you as a business, so it’s worth it to create one. To create a business in Virginia you’ll need the following information:

• Business plan
• Projected income
• Personal information
• Contact information
• Social Security number or EIN

Depending on the type of business, you may need more information, so keep this in mind. You should also consider starting an LLC or another type of legal entity. This can keep your assets safe in case of lawsuits and shields you from other types of liability.

Step 2: Apply for a Business License

The next step is to apply for a business license in Virginia Beach. Every municipality has a unique process for applying for a business license, which you can learn more about here, but Virginia Beach’s process is a breeze. You must submit your application using the required forms or online at the City of Virginia Beach website.

To get approved for a license you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Driver’s license or other type of ID
• Social security number or EIN
• Federal ID you get from the IRS
• Business formation information
• The Zoning Division of the Department of Planning has to approve your location
• Proof of residency for home-based businesses and complete the restriction forms.
• Personal information, including name, mailing address, email address, and other contact information
• Gross of estimated receipts for your company’s income

Along with your application, you also need to pay the fee. You can write a check for the City of Virginia Beach.

Step 3: Apply for Other Licenses

Getting a business license in Virginia Beach is easy, but there are also other licenses you need to apply for. For example, you might need federal licenses if you plan on selling firearms, tobacco, or alcohol. You may also need additional licenses from the town for special zoning or other business activities.

Virginia Beach Business License FAQ

Have questions about getting licensed in Virginia Beach? We have answers below.

How Do I Find Out if a Business Is Licensed in Virginia Beach?

There are a few ways to discover if a business is licensed in Virginia Beach. The first method is to visit the State Corporation Commission Clerk’s website and search for the company by name. This will help you find general licenses. You can also see if contractors were issued licenses by searching through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Can You Apply for a City of Virginia Beach Business License Online?

Yes and no. You can download the forms you need to apply online, but you need to fax them to the required offices or mail the forms to any federal agencies if you plan on applying for a business license in Virginia Beach. All forms are available to download as PDF files online.

Do You Need a Business License To Sell Products Online in Virginia Beach?

Yes, you will need a business license if you want to sell things online in Virginia Beach. You’ll also need proof of residency and to agree to the restrictions of home-based business if you plan on operating out of your home. That said, if you only plan on selling a few things here or there as a hobby, you don’t need to worry about it as much.

Get a City of Virginia Beach Business License Today!

The City of Virginia Beach requires a business license to collect taxes and keep track of your company. While it may seem like just another thing to worry about, it’s one of the most important things your business needs to operate and remain in good standing without penalties. These penalties can be expensive, so if you plan on doing business in Virginia Beach, make sure you apply for your license sooner rather than later.