Business License by State

Business License by State › Virginia

Virginia business license (2026)

General licenses are issued locally. The Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 37 (section 58.1-3700) says: “Whenever a license is required by ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

Virginia at a glance

State rule
General licenses are issued locally
Next step
Contact your city or county for the license; the state does not issue a general one.
Forming an LLC
$100 with the State Corporation Commission (SCC)
Best overall in Virginia

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does Virginia require a business license?

General licenses are issued locally. The Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 37 (section 58.1-3700) says: “Whenever a license is required by ordinance adopted pursuant to this chapter”

Who do I contact in Virginia?

Code of Virginia, Title 58.1, Chapter 37 (section 58.1-3700) (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for forming the company.

Is a Virginia LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which charges $100. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources