How to Get a West Virginia Business License

Do I Need a West Virginia Business License?

According to the West Virginia State Tax Department, “Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia, every individual or business entity must obtain a West Virginia business registration certificate from the State Tax Department.”

In other words, if you’re engaged in business activity — or revenue-generating activity, whether directly or indirectly — you’re likely required by law to have a West Virginia business license.

So why does West Virginia require businesses to have licenses?

There are several reasons why state and local governments mandate business licenses, including keeping your business accountable for your actions in the event of a lawsuit, protecting the public, and tracking your finances for tax purposes.

But legalities aside, having a West Virginia business license is a critical part of growing your business. A business license is an essential document that not only keeps you legal, but it helps ensure that you set yourself up for long-term success.

It can help you reach important milestones like:

• Opening another location
• Building confidence and trust with your customers
• Marketing your business to your target customers
• Hiring employees
• And more!

Although it may seem like a tedious task — and another thing to add to your to-do list — it’s a critical part of ensuring that your business is compliant today and in the future. You work hard to make your business the best it can be, and it’s important to protect that hard work.

That said, let’s take a look at how to go about getting a business license in West Virginia.

How to Get a Business License in West Virginia

1. Have your business documents on hand before you apply.

Before applying, make sure you have your business information and relevant documents ready. That way, when you apply for your West Virginia business license, you’ll have your ducks in a row and won’t need to dig around for your information.

What information are we referring to? Details like your business entity information, your business’s address and phone number, your business plan, your Certificate of Insurance (COI), and more.

2. Apply for a business license with the State Tax Department.

There are two ways to apply for a West Virginia business license:

• Online through the Business for West Virginia website
• Filing a BUS-APP with the Tax Commissioner

Keep in mind that the state of West Virginia typically requires you to apply for a separate business license for each business located within the state. Therefore, you’ll need to send in a separate application for each business or location.

We know — applying for just one business license seems like a lot. But, you’ll already have your business details on hand, so it shouldn’t be too complicated.

If you ever need to make changes to your business — like updating the members of your firm, limited liability company, or corporation — you are not required to request a new business license certificate.

However, your business license is not transferable. So, if you ever decide to move your business to a different state, you'll need to surrender your business license to the West Virginia State Tax Commissioner.

3. Familiarize yourself with the additional licenses or permits you may need.

In addition to your West Virginia business license, you may need other permits or licenses to be fully compliant, depending on the nature of your business.

For example, if you run a contracting business, you’ll most likely need to obtain a contractor license. We’ve put a detailed guide together for information on how to get a West Virginia contractors license, which you can refer to during the application process.

For instance, if your business is in the upholstery industry, you’ll need to check out the Bedding and Upholstery regulations on the West Virginia Division of Labor website.

For more information on additional licenses and permits, visit the West Virginia Division of Labor One Stop Business Portal.

How Much Does a West Virginia Business License Cost?

As a business owner, you’re aware of how much money your business spends to sustain daily operations and grow each year. Your West Virginia business license is one such expense that you don’t want to forget.

The nature of your business will determine the cost of your business license. If your business falls into one of the categories listed on the West Virginia Division of Labor’s payment portal, you can pay online. This makes it easy to pay your fees, as it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WV State Business License + Insurance Info

In the spirit of business compliance, if you don’t already have business insurance, it’s smart to look into getting a policy that will protect you and your hard work. Plus, depending on your business, it may be required by the state of West Virginia.

Workers' Compensation Insurance.

If you have employees who work for your business, you’re required to have a workers compensation policy. Workers compensation insurance keeps you, your business, and your team protected when there are costly accidents, lawsuits, and more.

For example, if an employee has an accident on your property and sues you for their medical expenses, your workers compensation policy will likely be able to cover the costs.

To learn more about workers compensation and file your coverage, visit the Employee Coverage Unit website.

General Liability Insurance.

In addition to workers compensation, you want to ensure that other facets of your business are protected as well.

General liability insurance can protect you and your business from paying out-of-pocket for lawsuits, property damage, medical expenses, and more. You never know what life will throw at you, which is why it’s best to be prepared for anything with general liability insurance.

Other types of business insurance.

Depending on your business, there may be other types of insurance you’ll want to have as part of your overall insurance plan. If you’re a private investigator, for example, you’ll likely need to carry additional insurance coverage.

Check out the West Virginia One Stop Business Portal for more information.

If you’re interested in learning more about what your business insurance policy options could look like, try out our free quote comparison tool.

Getting a West Virginia Business License Shows You Mean Business

A business license ensures you run a compliant business built for future success. It also ensures your customers that you’re trustworthy.

It may feel like another thing to add to your to-do list, but this essential business component can protect you and your business from unforeseen circumstances.

You know all too well that running a business can be a rollercoaster ride, so it’s best to be prepared for whatever comes your way!