The State changed the requirements for obtaining or renewing a contractor's business license. Effective with the 2011 license, the Code of Virginia §54.1-1111(B) requires the contractor to provide a copy of the state license or tradesman certification issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) or completion of an affidavit of being exempt from the DPOR requirements.

In addition, the Code of Virginia § 58.1-3714(B)(1) also mandates for contractors with employees that before the issuance of a business license the Contractor's Certification of Insuring Liability for Workers Compensation Form 61 A be completed and provided to the locality. This form can be accessed at the Virginia Worker's Compensation website at www.vwc.state.va.us.

Hampton City Code regulates where a business may operate. The Commissioner of the Revenue's office will issue the zoning permit if your proposed business and location fall within the guidelines outlined in the Hampton City Code.

For a zoning permit to be issued for a home based business, please remember that clients cannot come to your home and a residence cannot be utilized as a warehouse. If you should have any questions regarding the zoning permit please, contact our office.

There is no charge for a zoning permit.

The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control oversees the importation and sale of alcoholic beverages, excluding beer and wine. Licenses are issued for the manufacture of liquors, wholesale of beer and wine, and the retail sale of spirits by the drink. Contact the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control by phone, 757.825.7830, or mail:

Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
4907 W. Mercury Blvd.
Hampton, VA 23669

More information can be found at the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Website.

To preserve the health and welfare of its citizenry, Virginia requires regulatory licenses for many professions. Additional information can be found on the following web sites:

• Certified Public Accountants
• Attorneys at Law
• Health Professionals
• Private Security Services
• Motor Carriers
• Other Regulated Professions

Restaurants, grocery stores & body art establishments must be inspected by the Health Department. Contact the Hampton Health Department for more information:

Hampton Health Department
1320 LaSalle Avenue
Hampton, VA 23669
757.727.2570

Trade names must be registered with the Clerk of Circuit Court, phone 757.727.6105. A small fee is required. To request a form by mail send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Clerk of the Circuit Court
101 Kings Way
Hampton, VA 23669

All corporations (foreign and domestic) limited partnerships and limited liability companies conducting business in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. To become incorporated in Virginia, file your articles of incorporation and amendments with the State Corporation Commission. Phone 866.722.2551 or mail to:

State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23209

The Commonwealth of Virginia also imposes an unemployment tax. This tax is paid by the employer. Contact the Virginia Employment Commission, phone 804.786.1485 for more information. Or mail:

Virginia Employment Commission
P.O. Box 1358
Richmond, VA 23218-1358

Also visit the Virginia Employment Commission Website.

The State of Virginia levies taxes on Virginia corporations and other business entities. In addition, the state may also require businesses to collect and remit excise taxes such as the retail sales and use tax. For additional information visit the Virginia Department of Taxation's website.