Business License Application

Step 2: Required information needs to be mailed to City of Fairfax

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED WITH A CITY OF FAIRFAX BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION

  • Approval of a Commercial Use & Occupancy Permit or Residential Use & Occupancy Permit
    This is applied for through the Department of Community Development and Planning in the Permit Portal. You will be notified of approval via email, but the actual permit will be issued along with the Business License. Some home-based businesses require a Minor Home Occupation Permit (MHO) in place of a CU&O, also applied for in the Permit Portal. Guides for applying for these are available on the Permit Process Guides webpage. For questions, contact Zoning staff at 703-385-7820.
  • Copy of Rental Occupancy Permit
    Issued by Code Administration. City of Fairfax Rm. 208, City Hall. 703-385-7830 or https://www.fairfaxva.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/fire/documents/code/rental-occupancy-certificate-application.pdf (RENTAL PROPERTIES ONLY)
  • Copy of Certificate of Organization (as required by Code 1950 13.1 605/13.1-613).
    A domestic corporation (one formed in Virginia) is required to have a Certificate of Corporation issued by the SCC to transact business in the Commonwealth. 804-371-9733 http://www.scc.virginia.gov/ (CORP/INC/LLC)
  • Copy of Certificate of Authority to Transact Business (as required by Code 1950 13.1-1-757).
    A foreign corporation (one formed outside Virginia) may not transact business in the Commonwealth until it obtains a Certificate of Authority issued by the State Corporation Commission. 804-371-9733
  • Copy of Registration of Trade Name (as required by Code 1950 59.1-69).
    Any person(s) or corporation transacting business in the state under any assumed or fictitious name to file a certificate registering such name. 804-371-9733 https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Fictitious-Names
  • Copy of Virginia Sales Tax Registration Certificate.
    Issued by the Virginia Dept. of Taxation. 804-367-8037 or www.tax.virginia.gov
    (RETAIL BUSINESSES ONLY)
  • Copy of Certificate of Partnership (as required by Code 1950 50-74).
    Every person composing a partnership must file with the Office of the Clerk of the Court. This certificate is filed and recorded with the State Corporation Commission. 804-371-9733 (PARTNERSHIPS ONLY)
  • Copy of Virginia Contractors License. All contractors must submit a current copy of their Virginia Contractors License, either class A, B, or C as applicable. 804-367-8511 Or https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Applicants (CONTRACTORS ONLY)
  • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation (as required by Code 1950 13.1 605/13.1-613).
    A domestic corporation (one formed in Virginia) is required to have a Certificate of Incorporation issued by the State Corporation Commission in order to transact business in the Commonwealth. 804-371-9733 or www.scc.virginia.gov (CORPORATION OR LLC)
  • Contractor’s Certification of Insuring Liability for Workers Compensation in Virginia or Form 61A https://workcomp.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/Certificate-of-Workers-Compensation-Insurance-Form-61A-03082024.pdf (CONTRACTORS ONLY)
  • Copy of Health Department Certificate. (RESTAURANTS AND ANY FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ONLY)
    10777 Main Street, Fairfax, VA. 703-246-2201 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/permits
  • Copy of ABC License. 703-313-4432 or https://www.abc.virginia.gov/licenses/retail-licenses (IF SELLING ALCOHOL ONLY)
  • Meals Tax Registration Form. (RESTAURANTS AND ANY FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ONLY)
    From The Commissioner of the Revenue’s office 703-385-7885
  • Copy of Police Permit (PEDDLERS/MASSAGE ONLY)
  • Copy of 501 (c) (3) IRS letter (NONPROFITS ONLY)
  • Copy of IRS EIN confirmation letter

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