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Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, Virginia.

Verified 2026-08-31 6 stops $300–$1,100 est. 3–7 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Virginia

3 stops

  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 for Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — Barber Shop License (opens in a new tab)

    $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 for Individual Barber License (per barber) (opens in a new tab)

    $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 for Virginia Sales Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Virginia Beach / Virginia Beach City

2 stops

  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 for City of Virginia Beach — Business License (BPOL) (opens in a new tab)

    $25 (≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.36 per $100 (≥$200,000) — General Services category1–2 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 for City of Virginia Beach — Certificate of Occupancy (opens in a new tab)

    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 perminsp@vbgov.com2–5 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,100 · 3–7 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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