Business License Cost in Virginia (2026): Varies by City
Virginia Business License (BPOL Tax). Local fees $30–$500+/year. 3–7 business days to process.
Virginia businesses pay a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax to their city or county — effectively a business license fee based on gross receipts. Rates vary by locality and business type, typically $0.05–$0.58 per $100 of gross receipts ($50 minimum in most jurisdictions). Fairfax County and Arlington have some of the higher rates. Northern Virginia businesses should budget $150–$500/year for BPOL.
State License Fee
N/A
No state license required
Local License Fee
$30–$500+
city/county, per year
Processing Time
3+
business days
Virginia Business License: Key Facts
| License Name | Virginia Business License (BPOL Tax) |
| Issued By | City or county commissioner of the revenue |
| State Fee | None (local fees apply) |
| Local Fee Range | $30–$500+/year |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Processing Time | 3–7 business days |
| State Income Tax | Yes |
What You Need to Apply
Before applying for a business license in Virginia, have these ready:
- ✓ Business name and structure — whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation changes which forms you file
- ✓ EIN (Employer Identification Number) — free from IRS.gov, required for most licenses
- ✓ Business address — physical location in Virginia or a registered agent address
- ✓ Business description and NAICS code — the license fee may depend on your business category
- ✓ Payment method — credit card or check for the license fee
Virginia-Specific Licensing Note
Virginia businesses are subject to the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax at the local level. Most localities require annual licensing at $30–$500+ based on gross receipts.
Also Starting a Virginia LLC?
Forming a Virginia LLC costs $100 in state filing fees and takes 1–3 business days. Business licenses and LLC formation are separate — you'll need both to legally operate.
How to Form a Virginia LLC →Professional and Industry-Specific Licenses
A general business license isn't the only license you may need. Most regulated professions require separate state-issued licenses regardless of your general business license status:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a business license cost in Virginia?
Virginia businesses pay a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax to their city or county — effectively a business license fee based on gross receipts. Rates vary by locality and business type, typically $0.05–$0.58 per $100 of gross receipts ($50 minimum in most jurisdictions). Fairfax County and Arlington have some of the higher rates. Northern Virginia businesses should budget $150–$500/year for BPOL.
Do I need a business license in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires businesses to obtain a Virginia Business License (BPOL Tax) before operating. Virginia businesses are subject to the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax at the local level. Most localities require annual licensing at $30–$500+ based on gross receipts.
How do I get a business license in Virginia?
Apply for a Virginia Business License (BPOL Tax) through the city or county commissioner of the revenue. Processing takes 3–7 business days in most cases. You'll need your business name, entity type, EIN, and physical address before applying.
What is the difference between a business license and an LLC in Virginia?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal business structure registered with the Secretary of State — it gives you liability protection and separates personal and business assets, costing $100 in Virginia. A business license is an operating permit from your state or local government that allows you to legally conduct business in that jurisdiction. Most small business owners need both.
Plan Your Business Costs
Business licenses are one piece of your startup budget. Use these calculators to plan the rest:
Was this calculator helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve CostCrunch
Thank you for your feedback! ✓
Save Your Results
Download a professional PDF report with your complete analysis, charts, and key insights.
Download Your Report
Enter your email to get your personalized PDF report. We'll also send you useful financial tips.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
More Free Calculators
Break-Even Calculator
Find how many units to sell to cover costs
Markup & Margin
Convert between markup and margin percentages
Startup Cost Estimator
Estimate one-time and recurring startup costs
Loan Comparison
Compare loan options side by side
Profit Margin Calculator
Calculate gross, operating, and net margins
Employee Cost Calculator
Find the true cost of hiring an employee
Payroll Tax Calculator
Estimate employer payroll taxes by state
Cash Flow Forecast
Project cash flow and calculate runway
Get notified when tax rates change
We monitor payroll tax rates, SUTA, and cost-of-living data across all 50 states. When rates change, we'll let you know. Free, no spam.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe with one click.