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Contractor License in West Virginia

State license

West Virginia requires a state Contractor License from the WV Contractor Licensing Board (under the Division of Labor) for any construction, alteration, or repair work where the total cost of labor and materials is $2,500 or more. Licensure requires passing exams and registering the business with the state before applying.

Quick facts

When a license is needed$2,500 or more (total cost of labor and materials combined) on a single project. Subcontractors are still covered when the entire project meets the threshold.
ExamYes. Every applicant must pass the West Virginia Business & Law exam plus the exam(s) for each requested classification. Exams are administered by ProV/PSI. Passing scores do not expire but may be used a limited number of times per person.
BondA Wage Bond may apply. A Wage Bond Status Affidavit must be submitted with every application, and a wage bond must be posted with the Division of Labor if performing commercial construction work with employees. No fixed statutory dollar amount is published by the board (the wage bond is calculated based on payroll).
InsuranceGeneral liability insurance is required. If the contractor has employees working in West Virginia, proof of Workers' Compensation coverage and Unemployment Compensation coverage is also required.
Fees$90 application fee and $90 annual renewal fee (a reduced $20 fee applies to a sole proprietorship with an electrical-only license). A $25 late fee applies if renewed more than 15 days after expiration.
RenewalAnnual. A license expires twelve (12) months from its date of issuance; renewal notices are sent approximately 45 days before expiration. No continuing education requirement is published by the board.
ReciprocityYes, limited. Exam reciprocity agreements exist with Alabama (HVAC), North Carolina (Electrical), Ohio (Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Manufactured Housing), and Tennessee (seven classifications).
Main agencyWest Virginia Division of Labor, Contractor Licensing Board
Official sitehttps://wvclboard.wv.gov/account/guide.asp
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 West Virginia board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in West Virginia

  1. Contact the Contractor Licensing Board to verify the classification(s) and exam(s) you need.
  2. Pass the WV Business & Law exam and each required classification exam through ProV/PSI; the exam taker must be an officer, member, owner, or documented full-time employee.
  3. Obtain a Business Registration Tax number from the WV State Tax Department.
  4. Register your business with the WV Secretary of State if applicable.
  5. If you have employees, obtain Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation coverage and general liability insurance.
  6. Complete the Wage Bond Status Affidavit (and post a wage bond with the Division of Labor if doing commercial work with employees).
  7. Submit the completed application with supporting documents and the $90 fee online at wvclboard.wv.gov or by mail to the WV Contractor Licensing Board.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need a West Virginia contractor license?

You need a license before bidding or performing any construction, alteration, or repair work when the total value of labor and materials is $2,500 or more. Bidding or working without a license can lead to fines, and unlicensed contractors generally cannot enforce their contracts in West Virginia courts.

What exams do I have to pass?

Every applicant must pass the West Virginia Business & Law exam plus a trade exam for each classification requested (for example, HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical). Exams are given by ProV/PSI. Passing scores do not expire, but each score can only be used a limited number of times per person.

How much does a West Virginia contractor license cost?

The application fee is $90 and the annual renewal fee is $90. A sole proprietorship holding only an electrical license pays a reduced $20. Renewing more than 15 days late adds a $25 late fee.

How often do I renew my license?

The license is renewed annually. It expires 12 months from the date it was issued, and the board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. There is no published continuing education requirement.

Do I need a bond or insurance?

You must carry general liability insurance, and a Wage Bond Status Affidavit is required with every application. If you have employees you also need Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation coverage, and a wage bond must be posted with the Division of Labor when you do commercial construction work with employees.

Sources

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