Occupational/Professional Certifications, Licenses or Permits

Occupational/Professional Certifications, Licenses or Permits

Some occupations require certifications, licensure, or permits through the West Virginia Division of Labor (opens in a new tab). These are described below.

General Construction/Contracting Business

Any business operating in the state doing construction work with a total project cost of materials and labor of $2,500.00 or more is required to have a contractor license.

Apply for a new license with the Contractor Licensing Board (opens in a new tab) or download a printable application (opens in a new tab).

Business Servicing Devices that Measure Volume, Mass or Fuel

Any business servicing a device that measures volume, mass, or fuel and wants to place it into service for legal trade must be registered with the Division of Labor's Weights and Measures serviceman/agency program.

For more information, visit the Weights and Measures (opens in a new tab) page.

Businesses Servicing/Installing Elevators

Any business operating in the state servicing or installing elevators must have a specialty contractor license. If the business employs elevator mechanics, the mechanics must also be licensed with the Division of Labor (opens in a new tab).

For more information, visit the Elevator Safety (opens in a new tab) page.

Businesses Operating Amusement Rides and Attractions, Zipline and/or Canopy Tours

Any business operating an amusement ride and attraction, or a zipline and/or canopy tour in the state, must be registered with the Division of Labor and have those devices inspected before initial operation and every year after.

For more information and forms, visit the Amusement Rides and Attractions (opens in a new tab) or Zipline and Canopy Tours (opens in a new tab) page.

Businesses Manufacturing, Renovating and Sterilizing Bedding and/or Upholstery Materials

All manufacturers, renovators, and sterilizers of bedding and/or upholstery materials are required to register with the Division of Labor.

For more information, visit the Bedding and Upholstery (opens in a new tab) page.

Professional Licenses Separate from the Division of Labor licenses above

The professions listed below, under the specified articles of Chapter 30 (opens in a new tab) of the West Virginia Code, may form for the purpose of providing "professional" services. The Secretary of State business registration requires verification of eligibility from the state licensing board for your profession as part of the registration process.

How to provide verification of eligibility

  1. Have your state licensing board complete the Secretary of State Verification of Eligibility (Form VOE).
  2. Make sure the form is signed by an authorized state board representative verifying your eligibility to conduct business in the state as one of the professions listed below.
  3. Include the signed verification form with your Secretary of State registration.

Contact the state licensing board for your profession before registering with the West Virginia Secretary of State. This ensures you've completed the necessary registrations and/or filings with that state agency before submitting your Secretary of State registration.

If you are a member of another profession, you must contact your specific licensing board before attempting to establish your business in West Virginia, according to their licensing guidelines and state requirements. The West Virginia Association of Licensing Boards (opens in a new tab) provides a complete list of state boards.

Special Licenses and Permits

Other State Agencies

In some cases, you may be required to obtain special licenses or permits through other state agencies when registering your business.

Will your business activity include:

  • Construction/contractor work
  • Retail food stores (restaurant, grocery store)
  • Selling to state agencies (state vendor)
  • Home health certification

Will your business sell:

  • New and/or used vehicles
  • Lottery tickets
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Other regulated materials or services (oil/gas, logging/timbering, hazardous chemicals)

If so, you will be required to apply for special licenses and/or permits through additional state agencies. The examples above are only a few of the many types of special licenses or permits required to operate a business in the state. Check the list of agencies and licenses for additional licensing or permit requirements for your specific business activity.

Local Licenses and Zoning Permits

Local Licenses and Permits

Most cities and counties require a local business license or permit to operate legally within city or county limits. Contact your local county and city government officials for more information.

Building/Zoning Permits

New business locations and renovations to existing buildings may be subject to state building codes and local zoning laws. Zoning laws can vary significantly from one location to the next. Contact your local county and city government officials for more information.

Accessibility Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to meet specific public accessibility guidelines in all commercial and public buildings and transportation systems. Visit the U.S. Department of Justice for information on ADA compliance (opens in a new tab).