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Permits

Coffee and cart permits in Virginia

To sell coffee in Virginia, you work with your county health department for food and mobile vending permits, then add a business license and state tax registration. Pick your county below for the department that handles your area and the steps to open.

115 counties in Virginia. 18 have a detailed permit page below. For any other county, check your ZIP and we will point you to the right health department.

Statewide rules in Virginia

In Virginia, food establishments and mobile food units get a Food Establishment Permit from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), applied for through your local VDH health district office.

Food & vending permits
VDH, food establishment and mobile food unit permit (apply through local health district)Find your VDH local health district
Sales tax permit
Sales tax registration, Virginia Tax (Dept. of Taxation)
Sales tax rate
5.30% state base rateTypical combined range: 5.30%-7%Counties, cities, and special or transit districts add local sales tax on top, so your combined rate depends on your exact address.Virginia Tax sales and use tax
Food safety cards
At least one Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment, plus food handler training for all employees.

Typical license fees

The Virginia Department of Health issues food establishment permits statewide through 35 local health districts. A uniform $40 annual fee applies to all permit types including fixed establishments, mobile food units, and temporary event vendors.

Most food businesses
$40 a year

A one-time $40 plan review fee is required before opening a new or remodeled facility. A separate $40 permit application fee is paid at least 30 days before opening. Some local health districts may use district-specific forms or have additional local policies. State sales tax registration is free.

Fee schedule, last verified July 14, 2026.

Official links, last verified July 14, 2026. Requirements vary by city and change over time.
Confirm the current steps and fees before you apply.

Counties with a detailed permit guide in Virginia