DLCA: License Required For Big or Small Businesses To Operate In V.I.

This requirement applies regardless of whether the business, occupation, profession or trade activity is performed on a one-time rather than an ongoing basis — DLCA

Whether it’s the undertaking of a major project or the small job of painting a person’s porch, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Devin Carrington is reminding residents seeking to perform any work in the territory in exchange for monetary payment that a license is required.

The commissioner cited VI Code Title 27, Section 307, which states: “Every person or association wishing to engage in any business, occupation, profession, or trade in the Virgin Islands, as a condition precedent to engaging in such in any such business, occupation, profession or trade, shall apply promptly in writing to and obtain from the Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, a license to engage in or conduct such business, occupation, profession or trade.”

Commissioner Carrington said a part of the reason for issuing the warning is to protect residents from “fraudulent individuals and entities.” He also said residents should always require individuals or businesses contracted to do the work be licensed.

“In order to protect yourself from fraudulent individuals or entities claiming to be bona fide businesses, each consumer needs to ensure that they are dealing with entities that are licensed under the laws of the Virgin Islands,” said Carrington.

The department adds that if a consumer is unsure whether or not an individual or business is licensed to perform a particular job, that information is available at DLCA by calling (340) 714-3522 on St. Thomas/St. John or (340) 713-3522 on St. Croix.