Event Planning Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Virginia Business Registration

   Event planning businesses operating in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership ($100 LLC filing fee). Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name with the SCC Clerk's Office (not a county clerk) for a $10 fee. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which is especially important when coordinating large events.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC) or $10 (trade name/assumed name certificate, SCC)·1–7 business days (online)

   $100 (LLC) or $10 (trade name/assumed name certificate, SCC)

   1–7 business days (online)

2. Virginia Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)

   Event planning coordination services are generally not subject to sales tax in Virginia, but if your business sells taxable items — such as event supplies, decorations, floral arrangements, or other tangible goods — you must collect and remit state sales tax. Confirm your obligations with the Virginia Department of Taxation.

   Official government source

   Free — Virginia Tax charges no fee to register for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration·Immediate (online)

   Free — Virginia Tax charges no fee to register for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration

   Immediate (online)

1. Virginia Beach General Business License

   Event planning businesses operating in Virginia Beach must obtain a Business License (BPOL) from the Commissioner of the Revenue. The application requires your business entity information, primary business address, and description of services. If you work from home, you must also comply with the City Zoning Ordinance's home-occupation standards (verified through the business-license application, not a separate Planning Dept permit). Renewed annually by March 1.

   Official government source

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (General Services rate; Contracting is $0.16/$100, Retail Merchant $0.20/$100, Professional/financial/real estate $0.58/$100).·1–2 weeks

   $25/year (gross receipts ≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) — flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36 per $100 of gross receipts (General Services rate; Contracting is $0.16/$100, Retail Merchant $0.20/$100, Professional/financial/real estate $0.58/$100).

   1–2 weeks

2. Virginia Beach Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

   When coordinating events that use Virginia Beach public parks, streets, plazas, or other public venues, a Special Event Permit is required from the city. As the event planner, you may be responsible for obtaining this permit on behalf of your client. Permit requirements typically include event details, expected attendance, proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum), and sometimes a site plan or traffic management plan.

   Official government source

   Fee varies by event size, venue, and city services required — Virginia Beach does not publish a special event fee schedule online; call the Special Event and Film Office at 757-385-4800 or email [email protected] for the fee that applies to your event·2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

   Fee varies by event size, venue, and city services required — Virginia Beach does not publish a special event fee schedule online; call the Special Event and Film Office at 757-385-4800 or email [email protected] for the fee that applies to your event

   2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

3. Virginia Beach Special Event / Outdoor Event Permit

   Outdoor events and large gatherings in Virginia Beach require a permit from the City's Special Event and Film Office (Convention & Visitors Bureau, Resort Management), which coordinates with City departments to review site plans, insurance, and safety and sanitation provisions. Virginia Beach is an independent city with no county government, so there is no separate county permit.

   Official government source

   Varies by event size and type — call the Special Event and Film Office at 757-385-4800 for the fee that applies to your event·2–4 weeks

   Varies by event size and type — call the Special Event and Film Office at 757-385-4800 for the fee that applies to your event

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Virginia Beach Business Licensing
• Virginia Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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