Apply for Licensure

Training Videos

The Introduction to Licensing and Introduction to Adult Day Centers (ADC) training videos are designed for those considering applying to operate a new Adult Day Center (ADC). They will help you:

• Learn about the Division of Licensing Programs
• Learn about requirements to operate an adult day center
• Decide if submitting an application is the right choice for you

We recommend taking the Introduction to Licensing training first, followed by the Introduction to Adult Day Centers (ADC).

Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) - Online Application Portal

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:

• 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."
• Review the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Quick Reference Guides and the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Instructional Videos.
• 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.
• 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

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

Initial Application

• Initial Application
• ADC Addendum
• Annual Operating Budget
• Report of Environmental Sanitation Inspection
• Request for Building Evaluation or Inspection
• Staff Information Sheet

Renewal Application

• Renewal Application
• ADC Addendum
• Staff Information Sheet

Training Videos

The Introduction to Licensing and Introduction to Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) training videos are designed for those considering applying to operate a new Assisted Living Facility (ALF). They will help you:

• Learn about the Division of Licensing Programs
• Learn about requirements to operate an assisted living facility
• Decide if submitting an application is the right choice for you

We recommend taking the Introduction to Licensing training first, followed by the Introduction to Assisted Living Facilities (ALF).

Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) - Online Application Portal

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:

• 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."
• Review the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Quick Reference Guides and the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Instructional Videos.
• 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.
• 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

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

Initial Application

• Initial Application
• ALF Addendum
• Annual Operating Budget
• Report of Environmental Sanitation Inspection
• Request for Building Evaluation or Inspection
• Staff Information Sheet

Renewal Application

• Renewal Application
• ALF Addendum
• Staff Information Sheet

Training Videos

The Introduction to Licensing and Introduction to Children's Residential Facilities (CRF) training videos are designed for those considering applying to operate a new Children's Residential Facility (CRF). These videos will help you:

• Learn about the Division of Licensing Programs
• Learn about requirements to operate a children's residential facility
• Decide if submitting an application is the right choice for you

We recommend taking the Introduction to Licensing training first, followed by the Introduction to Children's Residential Facilities (CRF).

Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) - Online Application Portal

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:

• 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."
• Review the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Quick Reference Guides and the Virginia Enterprise Licensing Application (VELA) Instructional Videos.
• 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.
• 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

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

Initial Application

• CRF Initial Application
• CRF Initial Application VELA Required Documentation List
• CRF Initial Application VELA Required Supplemental Information
• Annual Operating Budget
• Children's Residential Facilities Contact with Local Zoning Administrator
• Report of Environmental Sanitation Inspection
• CRF Staff Information

Renewal Application

• CRF Renewal Application
• CRF Staff Information

Training Videos

The Introduction to Licensing and Introduction to Licensed Child Placing Agencies (LCPA) training videos are designed for those considering applying to operate a new Licensed Child Placing Agency (LCPA). These videos will help you:

• Learn about the Division of Licensing Programs
• Learn about requirements to operate a licensed child placing agency
• Decide if submitting an application is the right choice for you

We recommend taking the Introduction to Licensing training first, followed by the Introduction to Licensed Child Placing Agencies (LCPA).

Initial Application

• LCPA Initial Application
• Annual Operating Budget
• LCPA Staff Information

Renewal Application

• LCPA Renewal Application
• LCPA Staff Information

The Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) ensures that licensed adult care facilities comply with background check requirements as defined in the regulation "Regulation for Background Checks for Assisted Living Facilities and Adult Day Centers" and the Code of Virginia.

Adult day centers (ADC) and assisted living facilities (ALF) are programs required to undergo comprehensive background checks at initial application for licensure or approval and thereafter, as required.

• Barrier Crimes
• Criminal history record reports are conducted by the Virginia State Police
• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Adult Facility Employees
• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for ALF Applicants

The Division of Licensing Programs (DOLP) ensures that licensed child welfare programs comply with background check requirements as defined in the regulation "Background Checks for Child Welfare for Child Welfare Agencies" and the Code of Virginia.

Children's residential facilities (CRF) and licensed child placing agencies (LCPA) are programs required to undergo comprehensive background checks at initial application for licensure or approval and thereafter, as required.

For questions about registration, Fieldprint, or criminal fingerprint background results, please email the criminal team: backgrounds@dss.virginia.gov

For questions about the Central Registry, please email the team: crs_operations@dss.virginia.gov 

For more information, visit the Office of Background Investigations page.

• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Children's Residential Facilities
• Sworn Statement or Affirmation for Licensed Child Placing Agencies