Real Estate Agent Permit Requirements in Huntington, WV

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

   Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia every individual or business entity must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the WV Tax Division (WV Code §11-12-1 et seq.), applied for through the Business for West Virginia portal at business4.wv.gov or on form BUS-APP. A separate certificate is needed for each business name and each location. The certificate is permanent — it does not expire — until the legal name, location or ownership changes, and it must be surrendered when the business stops operating in West Virginia. It also authorises you to collect the 6% state sales tax plus any municipal sales tax of up to 1%.

   Official government source for West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration (opens in a new tab)

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location·1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location

   1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

2. Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

   Real estate agents and brokers are strongly advised to carry Errors and Omissions insurance. Many brokerages require agents to maintain E&O coverage as a condition of affiliation.

   $500–$2,000/year·Immediate to 1 week

   $500–$2,000/year

   Immediate to 1 week

1. West Virginia Real Estate Commission — Salesperson or Broker License

   Real estate agents in West Virginia must be licensed by the WV Real Estate Commission. Requires 90 hours of pre-licensing education (30 hrs Principles & Practice, 20 hrs Law, 20 hrs Finance, 20 hrs Appraisal, min. 70% per section) and passing the state exam.

   Official government source for West Virginia Real Estate Commission — Salesperson or Broker License (opens in a new tab)

   $75 (salesperson license, flat) plus a $25 exam application fee·4–8 weeks

   $75 (salesperson license, flat) plus a $25 exam application fee

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Huntington Finance Department — General Business License

   Huntington requires a General Business License for businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes applications; a copy of the WV Business Registration Certificate is required. The license must be renewed annually (July 1-June 30) and displayed at your place of business. A Business & Occupation gross-receipts tax and a $5/week/employee City Service Fee apply separately.

   Official government source for City of Huntington Finance Department — General Business License (opens in a new tab)

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• West Virginia Real Estate Commission — Salesperson or Broker License
• City of Huntington City Clerk

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