Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Virginia Business License / Sales Tax Registration

   Businesses selling taxable goods in Virginia must register with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Service businesses must obtain a local Business License from the city or county.

   Official government source

   Free (state); varies locally·1–5 business days

   Free (state); varies locally

   1–5 business days

2. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

   Wedding planners in Virginia are not legally required to carry liability insurance, but most venues require proof of $1M–$2M general liability coverage before allowing a planner to work on-site. Many clients also require it in your contract.

   $400–$1,200/year·Same day (online quotes)

   $400–$1,200/year

   Same day (online quotes)

1. Virginia Beach Business License (BPOL)

   All businesses operating in Virginia Beach must obtain a Business License (BPOL) from the Commissioner of the Revenue. Wedding planners operating as sole proprietors, LLCs, or corporations need this license to legally conduct business. Renewal is required 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).·1–3 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).

   1–3 weeks

2. DBA (Doing Business As) / Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name — Virginia SCC

   If operating under a trade name (e.g., "Perfect Day Events" rather than your legal name), you must file a Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) — not the City of Virginia Beach — before accepting payments/jobs under that name. Filing is done online via the SCC's Clerk's Information System (CIS) or by paper form.

   Official government source

   $10 flat filing fee (Virginia SCC)·1–2 weeks

   $10 flat filing fee (Virginia SCC)

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Virginia Beach — Business Licensing
• Virginia Secretary of State
• IRS — Apply for EIN

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