County Requirements
- Business Licenses
- Assumed Names, Trade Names and DBA’s
- Planning and Zoning Information
- Building Permits
- Fire Code
- Virginia Health Department - Food Services
- Hotels, Motels and Campgrounds
- Home Occupation
- Business Taxes
Business Licenses
James City County requires that all businesses operating within James City County register with the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Business License Applications must be completed, signed, and submitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue, attn: Business License Inspector. Licenses must be obtained by March 1 of the tax year or within ten (10) days of beginning business, whichever is later. Business License Renewal Forms are mailed to all licensed businesses in January of each year, and must be completed and returned to the Commissioner’s office by March 1. Only original business license renewal forms can be accepted.
Some business license applications will require one or more of these additional forms.
- Certificate of Business Under Assumed Name (stamped copy from the Clerk of Courts) (see “Certificate of Business Under an Assumed Name” section)
- Application for Registration Tax on Prepared Food and Beverages (see “Food Services” section)
- State Corporation Commission’s Certificate of Registration of corporation, LLC, trust, or limited partnership (see “Structuring Your Business” section);
- Class “C” Contractor’s License (see “State Occupational Permits and Licenses” section);
- Certificate of Workman’s Compensation Insurance (see “State Occupational Permits and Licenses” section)
- Application of Home Occupation (see Application for Home Occupation
- IRS Letter of Determination for 501[c]3 nonprofits (see “Nonprofit Organizations”)
- Application for Registration Tax on Transient Occupancy (see “Hotels, Motels, and Camprgounds”)
When a business moves, changes its name, or closes, a written notice with owner’s signature must be submitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue.
For forms (must be typed) and additional information on licenses and taxes, contact the James City County Commissioner of the Revenue, 101-B Mounts Bay Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, (757) 253-6698, Fax (757) 253-6733.
Forms that are available online: