Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — Barber Shop License

   All barber shops in Virginia must be licensed by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology (DPOR). The barber shop establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with Virginia Code Title 54.1 and 18 VAC 41. The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.

   Official government source

   $220 application fee (18VAC41-20-140)·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $220 application fee (18VAC41-20-140)

   3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

   Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Virginia Barber or Master Barber License issued by DPOR. This requires completing an approved barber program (or registered apprenticeship) and passing a written and practical exam administered by PSI Exams; confirm current required training hours with DPOR, as requirements have changed in recent years.

   Official government source

   $120 application fee per barber (18VAC41-20-140)·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $120 application fee per barber (18VAC41-20-140)

   4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Virginia Sales Tax Registration

   Required for selling retail products. The combined sales tax rate in Virginia Beach is approximately 6%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Virginia Beach — Business License (BPOL)

   All businesses operating in Virginia Beach must obtain a Business License from the Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue. Barber shops are classified under General Services (personal services): $25 flat fee for gross receipts ≤$25,000; $40 for ≤$100,000; $50 for ≤$200,000; and $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts for receipts ≥$200,000. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $25 (≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.36 per $100 (≥$200,000) — General Services category·1–2 weeks

   $25 (≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.36 per $100 (≥$200,000) — General Services category

   1–2 weeks

2. City of Virginia Beach — Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development is required before opening a barber shop. Contact at 757-385-4211.

   Official government source

   Varies by project scope and square footage; Virginia Beach does not publish its permit and Certificate of Occupancy fee schedule online — confirm with Permits & Inspections at 757-385-4211 or [email protected]·2–5 weeks

   Varies by project scope and square footage; Virginia Beach does not publish its permit and Certificate of Occupancy fee schedule online — confirm with Permits & Inspections at 757-385-4211 or [email protected]

   2–5 weeks

Official Sources

• Virginia DPOR — Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
• City of Virginia Beach — Business License
• City of Virginia Beach — Department of Planning
• Virginia Department of Taxation — Sales Tax

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