How to Get a Business License in Hampton: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Hampton, VA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Independent city (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the Commissioner of the Revenue. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue at 757-727-6690 for current requirements. More information is available at hampton.gov.
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What Makes Hampton Different
Hampton has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- Virginia independent city
- BPOL tax on gross receipts
- Hampton University area
- Langley AFB/NASA Langley adjacent
- Virginia requires a Business Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) in most localities
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Hampton need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (VA): LLC or Corporation filing through the Virginia SCC. Filing fee: $100 LLC, processing time: 1-3 business days.
County (Independent city): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Hampton): Business License from the Commissioner of the Revenue. Phone: 757-727-6690.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Hampton can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Hampton has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Hampton's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.