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Permits for a Contractor in Richmond, Virginia

A contractor in Richmond, Virginia needs 6 permits including virginia business entity registration (scc), virginia contractor license (dpor), virginia unemployment tax registration, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 6 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

6 permits found

For a Contractor in Richmond, VA

Business License (2)Employment (2)Tax (2)

Business License

Virginia Business Entity Registration (SCC)
Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)·VA (state-level)
Business License

All LLCs, corporations, and other business entities must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Annual registration fee required for LLCs.

$1 - $1 (LLC Articles of Organization: $100. Annual registration fee: $50. Corporation charter: $100.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to file annual registration: entity may be automatically cancelled by the SCC. ($0 - $1)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Virginia Contractor License (DPOR)
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)·VA (state-level)
Business License

Required for contractors performing work valued over $1,000. Three classes: Class A (over $120,000), Class B ($10,000–$120,000), Class C ($1,000–$10,000). Must pass trade exams. Issued by the Board for Contractors under DPOR.

$1 - $3 (Application fee $100. License fee varies by class. Biennial renewal $50–$250.)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~30 days
Contracting without a license: Class 1 misdemeanor. Fine up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment. ($5 - $25)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

Virginia Unemployment Tax Registration
Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)·VA (state-level)
Employment

Virginia employers must register with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). New employer rate approximately 2.5%. Taxable wage base is $8,000 per employee.

$0 - $0 (Registration free. Tax rate varies by experience.)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register: penalties and interest under Virginia Employment Commission Act. ($1 - $50)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission·VA (state-level)
Employment

Virginia requires employers with 3 or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Coverage from private insurers or the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission.

$5 - $50 (Premium varies by industry, payroll, and experience.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without coverage with 3+ employees: fine up to $250/day or imprisonment up to 12 months. ($5 - $500)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

Virginia Sales Tax Registration (Certificate of Registration)
Virginia Department of Taxation·VA (state-level)
Tax

Required for businesses making retail sales. Virginia general sales tax rate is 5.3% (4.3% state + 1% local). Higher rate in certain regions. Registration free through Virginia Tax Online Services.

$0 - $0 (Free to register.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to collect or remit: penalties and interest under Virginia Tax Code. ($0 - $100)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Virginia Withholding Tax Registration
Virginia Department of Revenue / Taxation·VA (state-level)
Tax

Employers in Virginia must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for withholding can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

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From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$12 – $726

if you skip or miss these permits

Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.

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