Application Process
The Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) at the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) has a user-friendly and secure on-line application system called the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application.
Before starting the application process, please read through all instructions.
There are four easy steps for applying on-line through VELA:
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Save all your required documents for upload into VELA. You may wish to review the list of required application forms that are listed under the bullet "Application Forms."
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Review the self-help resources available by accessing the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application(VELA) Quick Reference Guides and the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Instructional Videos sub-headings below.
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When you are ready, access the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application. We recommend that you bookmark the VELA link since you can return to VELA to make changes until the application is submitted. After submission, data cannot be revised.
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Register an account to enter the VELA provider portal where you can complete an application. Self-help resources are available on VELA under the Quick Reference Guides tab.
CONTACT: If you have technical problems accessing VELA or completing the application, please e-mail vela@dss.virginia.gov.
Virginia Relay enables people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or have difficulty speaking to communicate by TTY (text telephone) or another assistive telephone device with anyone who uses a standard phone.
TTY: 800-828-1120
Voice: 800-828-1140
Captioned Telephone Service: 877-243-2823
Speech-to-Speech: 866-221-6784
Visually Assisted Speech-to-Speech: 800-855-8220
Spanish: 800-855-8200
If you still need to submit a paper application via mail, you may do so by using the Application Forms below.
Pre-application orientation -- We also highly recommend that applicants attend one of our pre-application orientation sessions. Topics covered include the application process, licensing regulations and approvals required by other state agencies. To register for this pre-application orientation, please reach out to your appropriate Licensing field office.