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1. Do I need a business license?

Generally, if you are receiving monetary compensation for products sold or services rendered you will need a Gloucester County business license. Manufacturers selling at wholesale from place of manufacture are exempt from business license.

2. Is there a minimum amount of income I can receive before I must obtain a business license?

If you are receiving income for products sold or services rendered you must obtain a business license. Direct Sellers are exempt from the business license fee if their gross receipts are less than $4,000 per year.

3. What steps must I take before I can apply for a business license?

Follow these steps:

1. Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 804-693-1224 to obtain approval to operate your business or home occupation in Gloucester County. Planning and Zoning is located at:
   6489 Main Street
   Gloucester, VA 23061
2. Contact the Gloucester Health Department at 804-693-2445 if you will sell food or beverages. The Health Department is located at:
   6882 Main Street
   Gloucester, VA 23061
3. If you will use a trade name (fictitious name), you are required to register that name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. If you intend to operate your business as a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Company, Trust or Corporation you must register these entities with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission. To obtain information on how to register your business or trade name you may visit the State Corporation Commission website at www.scc.virginia.gov. 

4. How do I apply for a business license?

After the above steps are completed applicants must apply for a business license either by mail or in person at:

6489 Main Street
Suite 137
Gloucester, VA 23061

5. How much will the Business License cost?

Business License fees are based on the gross receipts per calendar year. The minimum business license fee is $10. For all estimated gross receipts of $10,000 or less the fee will be $10. For gross receipts greater than $10,000 but less than $100,000 the fee is $50. For gross receipts of $100,000 or greater the fee is based on a percentage of the gross receipts. See the back of the business license application for the fee schedule.

6. If I am operating the business from my home, do I need to contact zoning?

Yes, everyone must contact zoning before a business license will be issued. If the business is being conducted from your home you must get permission for a home occupation.

7. Can I apply for a business license by mail?

You can apply for a business license through the mail as long as you attach the zoning permit, if the business is located in Gloucester County, and a copy of the trade name certification and/or State Corporation Commission certificate, if applicable. Enclose a check made payable to Gloucester County. Mail the information to:

Kevin A. Wilson, Commissioner of the Revenue
6489 Main Street
Suite 137
Gloucester, VA 23061

8. When does the license have to be renewed?

Business Licenses expire December 31 of each year. Business License Renewals are due by March 1 of each year. All current businesses will receive the renewal information in the mail in early January.

9. Do I need an employer Identification Number?

For information on obtaining an employer identification number visit the Internal Revenue Service website.

10. What form do I file to obtain a Sales Tax Identification Number from Virginia Department of Taxation?

Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office or visit the Virginia Department of Taxation website. You can also file the form online.

11. How do I obtain a Virginia Contractors license?

Effective July 1, 2010 you must have a Virginia Contractors license before a business license will be issued. You must register with the State Board of Contractors to obtain a Virginia Contractor's License. Contact the Board for Contractors by phone at 804-367-8511 or mail to: 

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors
3600 West Broad Street
P.O. Box 11066
Richmond, VA 23230-1066

Visit the Virginia Board for Contractors for further information.

12. I am an out of town contractor, do I need a business license in Gloucester County?

Yes, if the total gross receipts is greater than $25,000 per year in Gloucester County. You must fill out the Business License Application (PDF) and Worker's Compensation Contractor's Certificate (PDF). The Applicant/Ownership Information form may also be applicable. A copy of your State Contractor's License must also be submitted with the application.