Business License

Applying for and Renewing Business Licenses

Chesterfield businesses with situs require a business license. Business licenses are valid for the calendar year, Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

New Business Applications

Business owners are required to register the business with the Commissioner of the Revenue within 30 days of commencing business operations in Chesterfield County. A late payment penalty of up to 10% of the tax due will be imposed along with interest if the licenses are not obtained within 30 days of the date the business opened.

Each business must satisfy any state or county requirements prior to beginning business in Chesterfield County. Corporations, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies must register their business name with the State Corporation Commission. These entities will be required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

New business license applications may be submitted and paid in the following ways:

• Online in our Citizen Portal.
• Applications submitted by mail will need to be sent to P.O. Box 124 Chesterfield, VA 23832, and paid by check payable to Treasurer, Chesterfield County.
• Overnight applications must be sent to 9901 Lori Road Room 165, Chesterfield, VA 23832, and paid by check payable to Treasurer, Chesterfield County.

Please complete the business license application (listed below) along with the Business License Classification Affidavit (PDF).

Annual Business License Renewal - March 1 Deadline

The annual business license renewal period is from Jan. 1 to March 1 each year. Renewal applications can be submitted and paid through our Citizen Portal. Renewals and tax payments may also be submitted by mail. Renewal applications, whether submitted through the Citizen Portal or mail, must be filed in the Commissioner’s Office or postmarked by March 1 of each year. Any renewal received or postmarked after March 1 will receive a late filing penalty. Interest will accrue each month starting April 1.

Business Licenses with Additional State Requirements

Contractors: New and renewal applications must provide a copy of the completed Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance Form 61A each year. A license issued through Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) will need to be provided with your submission. If you do not have a license with DPOR a Contractor Affidavit will need to be provided each year until a license is obtained through DPOR.

Home Based Businesses: The Chesterfield County Department of Community Enhancement allows certain businesses and occupations to be conducted in a dwelling unit provided they comply with certain restrictions. They can be reached at 804-748-1500.

Vape Shops: Effective April 26, 2023, the Board of Supervisors has adopted an ordinance change in regard to Vape Shops. Sections 19.1-52 and 19.1-570 of the Code of County of Chesterfield. For further questions on regulations please contact the Planning Department at 804-748-1050.

Business Operations or Ownership Structure Changes

In the event you cease business operations within Chesterfield County or make any changes in ownership structure, business activities or business address, you must notify the Commissioner's Office in writing. If you do not notify us of your business closure, your account will remain open, but your license will not be in compliance and may incur statutory assessments in accordance with Code of Virginia § 58.1-3519.

Letter of Authorization

If you have a business representative filing online or visiting or calling the Commissioner's Office, that individual must be authorized to act in behalf of the company. If that person is not the owner, an officer or member listed on paperwork previously filed with our office, they will not be able to file and will not be given information regarding that business other than what is public information. Written documentation signed by the owner/officer/member of the company authorizing such action will be required. Businesses may use their own format or complete the Letter of Authorization form (PDF).