Sections 18.2-223 and 224 of the Code of Virginia, requires any retail business that is discontinuing business operations in the Commonwealth of Virginia to obtain a permit from the local jurisdiction where the retail business is located before advertising for or initiating any sale using the words “going out of business” or any other words which indicate that the retail business is to be discontinued and the merchandise liquidated.

The Regulation and Licensing Branch issues the state mandated permit for businesses located in Fairfax County.  To obtain a permit, each business must:

1. Complete an application indicating the date the sale is to begin;
2. Provide a copy of any advertisements to be used in local print media, and list all other forms of advertisement of sale;
3. Provide a copy of the each store’s inventory, including a listing of all inventory still due-in; and
4. Pay an application fee of $65.

Within ten business days of the application, an investigator from the Regulation and Licensing Branch will make a site visit to the sale location and conduct a physical inventory of stocks on-hand comparing the inventory provided at the time of permit application to what is actually on site.  This inventory ensures additional stock is not offered for sale.  Upon application approval, a permit is given to each store holding a GOB sale.

The GOB sale permit is valid for up to sixty days and an investigator will visit the site during that period to ensure the sale is progressing appropriately.  If the business is unable to dispose of the stocks on hand, a maximum of one additional permit may be obtained.  The renewal permit is valid for up to an additional sixty days.  In no case will the GOB sale be permitted to last for longer than 120 days.  Once the sale has been concluded, the business must cease operations.   An investigator from RALB will make a final site visit after the conclusion of the sale to ensure that the business has closed. 

Applications and required documents must be submitted to the Regulation and Licensing Branch at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 127, Fairfax, VA 22035.  Applications are accepted Monday – Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, excluding county holidays.  

Download a Going Out of Business Permit application.