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Contractor License in Virginia

State license

Virginia requires a state contractor license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors for any construction project where the total value is $1,000 or more. The license class (A, B, or C) is determined by the size of contracts the firm will perform. Individual tradesmen (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) hold separate certifications.

Quick facts

When a license is needed$1,000. Work valued at $1,000 or less does not require a license; $1,000 or more triggers the need for a Class A, B, or C license.
ExperienceExperience for the qualified individual scales with class: about 5 years for Class A, 3 years for Class B, and 2 years for Class C.
ExamClass A and Class B require examinations (Virginia law/business portion plus a trade exam via PSI); the qualified individual passes the trade exam. Class C generally does not require the trade exam. All new licenses require 8 hours of pre-license education.
BondNo mandatory surety bond, but Class A and Class B applicants must show financial responsibility either through a minimum net worth (Class A $45,000; Class B $15,000) or a $50,000 surety bond. Class C has no net worth requirement.
FeesInitial application fees roughly $235 to $400 by class plus a Recovery Fund assessment. Biennial renewal totals approximately: Class A $300, Class B $290, Class C $250 (including the $30 Recovery Fund assessment).
RenewalEvery 2 years. Contractor firm (business) licenses currently have no continuing education requirement; individual tradesman certifications require 3 hours of code-update CE per cycle.
ReciprocityNo automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state licensees may apply and, in some cases, receive exam exemptions but must submit a full application with verification of licensure from the other state's board.
Main agencyVirginia DPOR, Board for Contractors
Official sitehttps://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Virginia board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Virginia

  1. Determine the license class (A, B, or C) based on the contract and annual values you intend to perform.
  2. Designate a qualified individual and, for Class A/B, a designated employee who meets the experience requirement.
  3. Complete the mandatory 8-hour pre-license education course from an approved provider.
  4. Register for and pass the required PSI exams (Virginia law/business plus trade for Class A/B).
  5. Prepare financial documentation: a financial statement showing required net worth, or a $50,000 surety bond (Class A/B).
  6. Submit the Contractor Firm License application (Form A501-27LIC) to DPOR with the correct fee and Recovery Fund assessment.
  7. Maintain the license and renew every 2 years before expiration.

Frequently asked questions

Which Virginia license class do I need?

Class C covers single projects from $1,000 to under $30,000 (annual under $250,000). Class B covers single projects $30,000 to under $150,000. Class A has no monetary limit. Pick the class that matches your largest expected project.

Is there a project value below which I do not need a license?

Yes. Work valued at $1,000 or less does not require a Virginia contractor license. At $1,000 or more you need the appropriate class.

Do I have to take an exam for a Class C license?

Class C generally does not require the trade exam that Class A and B applicants must pass, but all new licenses require the 8-hour pre-license education course.

What net worth do I need for Class A or B?

Class A requires a minimum net worth of $45,000 and Class B $15,000. Alternatively, either class can post a $50,000 surety bond to satisfy financial responsibility.

How often do I renew and is CE required?

Contractor firm licenses renew every 2 years. The business license itself has no continuing education requirement, though individual tradesman certifications require 3 hours of code CE per cycle.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Virginia licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.