Virginia requires contractor licensing at the state level through the Board for Contractors, a division of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The system is built around three license classes — A, B, and C — defined by monetary thresholds, each paired with one or more classifications or specialties that define the scope of work you can perform.
Unlike many states that license individual contractors, Virginia issues contractor licenses to business entities, not individuals. Each licensed firm must designate a Qualified Individual (QI) who meets the experience and exam requirements for the requested classifications. In addition to state licensing, contractors must comply with any local licensing requirements in the counties, cities, and towns where they work.
This guide covers Virginia's license classes and classifications, experience and exam requirements, the application process, fees, bonding, renewal, reciprocity, and penalties for unlicensed work.
Types of Contractor Licenses
Virginia contractor licenses have two components: a class (A, B, or C) that sets the monetary limits, and a classification or specialty that defines the type of work. The monetary thresholds are defined in Va. Code § 54.1-1100.
Class A — Largest Projects
A Class A license is required when a single contract or project is valued at $150,000 or more, or when total work performed in any 12-month period reaches $1,000,000 or more. This is the highest license class and carries the most stringent experience, exam, and financial requirements.
Class B — Mid-Range Projects
A Class B license covers single contracts or projects valued at $30,000 to under $150,000, or total work in any 12-month period of $250,000 to under $1,000,000.
Class C — Smaller Projects
A Class C license is required when a single contract or project exceeds $1,000 but is under $30,000, or when total work in any 12-month period is under $250,000. Work valued at $1,000 or less does not require a contractor license.
Classifications and Specialties
Within each class, Virginia recognizes major license classifications including residential building contractor (RBC), commercial building contractor (CBC), highway/heavy contractor (H/H), electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinkler, and numerous specialty designations. The Board's regulations define many specific three-letter specialty codes — such as HIC (home improvement), ROC (roofing), UUC (underground utility), AES (alternative energy systems), and POL (pollution abatement) — under 18VAC50-22-20 and 18VAC50-22-30.
You can hold multiple classifications on a single license. A full list of classifications and specialties is available from the Board for Contractors.
Tradesmen
Virginia also regulates individual tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, gas fitters, and others) through the same Board for Contractors, though DPOR presents a separate tradesmen program page. Note that some contractor specialty classifications require the firm's Qualified Individual to hold a separate tradesman certification or other credential as outlined in 18VAC50-22-61.
Licensing Requirements
Qualified Individual (QI)
Every Virginia contractor firm must designate at least one Qualified Individual — the person whose experience and exam results qualify the business for each classification. The QI must be at least 18 years old and must be a full-time employee or member of responsible management of the firm.
Experience Requirements
Experience requirements increase with each license class:
- Class C: The Qualified Individual must have a minimum of 1 year of experience in the relevant classification. 18VAC50-22-40
- Class B: The Qualified Individual must have a minimum of 3 years of experience. The firm must also name a Designated Employee. 18VAC50-22-50
- Class A: The Qualified Individual must have a minimum of 5 years of experience. The firm must also name a Designated Employee. 18VAC50-22-60
Pre-License Education
All new contractor applicants must complete 8 hours of pre-license education from a Board-approved provider. For Class A and B applicants, this education may be completed by a member of responsible management or the Designated Employee. For Class C applicants, it must be completed by a member of responsible management. Details are available on the Board for Contractors page.
Designated Employee (Class A and B Only)
Class A and B firms must name a Designated Employee in addition to the Qualified Individual. This person serves as the firm's point of contact with the Board and has management responsibilities within the company.
Background Check
Applicants must disclose all felony convictions and all non-marijuana misdemeanors within the past 3 years for all relevant individuals and the firm itself. If criminal disclosures apply, the application must include an original official criminal history record dated within 90 days. Separate reporting is also required for disciplinary history and adverse financial history. (Application packet)
Application Process
The Board processes applications on a first in, first out basis. The average processing time for most applications is approximately 30 days, though non-routine applications may take longer and may require extra review or an informal fact-finding conference. (Application packet)
- Determine Your Class and Classification: Identify the correct license class (A, B, or C) based on the monetary value of your projects, and select the classification(s) or specialty(ies) that match your scope of work.
- Complete Pre-License Education: Complete the required 8-hour pre-license course from a Board-approved provider before applying.
- Pass Required Examinations: Take and pass the applicable business and specialty exams through PSI (see Examination Requirements below).
- Prepare Your Application: Download the Standard Contractor Application (PDF) from the DPOR website.
- Gather Required Documents: Depending on your class and classification, you will need:
- Business entity and SCC (State Corporation Commission) information
- Fictitious name documentation (if applicable)
- Government-issued photo ID for responsible management
- Pre-license education certificate
- Experience Verification Forms for the Qualified Individual
- Financial proof for Class A/B (Board financial statement, CPA review/audit, or surety bond form)
- Criminal, disciplinary, and adverse financial history disclosure forms
- Submit Application and Fee: Mail your completed application and payment to:
Board for Contractors, DPOR
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233-1485 - Board Review: The Board reviews your application and supporting documents. You will be contacted if additional information is needed.
Special Application Types
- Temporary License: Available for contractors who need to begin work before their standard application is fully processed. Use the Temporary Contractor Application (PDF).
- Expedited Class A: An expedited application process is available for Class A applicants. Use the Expedited Class A Application (PDF). The total fee is $675 ($250 expedited fee + $425 application fee).
You can also access online services at DPOR Online Services.
Examination Requirements
Virginia requires business examinations for Class A and B applicants, administered by PSI. Many specialty classifications also require a technical exam or prerequisite credential for the Qualified Individual.
Business Examinations by Class
- Class A: Three exam portions — Advanced, General, and Virginia
- Class B: Two exam portions — General and Virginia
Source: Application packet
Specialty/Technical Examinations
Many classifications require the Qualified Individual to pass a Board-approved technical exam or hold another prerequisite credential or license. The specific exam or credential required for each specialty is detailed in 18VAC50-22-61 and the QI Requirements (PDF). The Board also publishes a QI Exam Notice with current exam information.
Exam Fees
| Exam Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| One exam portion | $40 |
| Two exam portions | $72 |
| Three exam portions | $85 |
| QI specialty exam | $85 |
Source: Board for Contractors
Passing Scores
Verify current passing score requirements directly with the Board for Contractors, as the official Board website and regulations do not publish a specific passing-score number.
License Fees and Costs
Virginia contractor fees are set by regulation under 18VAC50-22-100. All fees listed below are from official Board sources.
Initial Application Fees
| License Class | License Fee | Recovery Fund | Total Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C | $235 | $25 | $260 |
| Class B | $380 | $25 | $405 |
| Class A | $400 | $25 | $425 |
Note: CBC-only or CIC-only applicants pay the license fee without the Recovery Fund fee ($235 / $380 / $400 respectively).
Other Application Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Change of Designated Employee | $125 |
| Change of Qualified Individual | $125 |
| Add Classification/Specialty | $125 |
| Expedited Class A (total) | $675 |
Renewal Fees (Biennial)
| License Class | Renewal Fee | Recovery Fund Assessment | Total Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C | $220 | $30 | $250 |
| Class B | $260 | $30 | $290 |
| Class A | $270 | $30 | $300 |
Source: 18VAC50-22-140
Reinstatement Fees
| License Class | Reinstatement Fee |
|---|---|
| Class C | $460 + Recovery Fund assessment |
| Class B | $550 + Recovery Fund assessment |
| Class A | $550 + Recovery Fund assessment |
Source: 18VAC50-22-170
Temporary License Fees
The regulation under 18VAC50-22-100 lists a $60 temporary fee, but the current temporary application PDF shows an $85 temporary component with totals of $320 (Class C), $465 (Class B), and $485 (Class A). Verify the current temporary license fee with the Board before filing.
Insurance and Bond Requirements
Financial Requirements (Class A and B)
Class A and B applicants must demonstrate financial stability. The Board accepts proof in one of the following forms (Application packet):
- A Board financial statement
- A CPA review or audit
- A surety bond form
Net Worth or Surety Bond
| License Class | Minimum Net Worth/Equity | Alternative Surety Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Class B | $15,000 | $50,000 surety bond |
| Class A | $45,000 | $50,000 surety bond |
Sources: 18VAC50-22-50, 18VAC50-22-60, Va. Code § 54.1-1106, Va. Code § 54.1-1108
Class C applicants do not have a net worth or surety bond requirement.
Surety Bond Recovery
Virginia statutes provide a recovery path against a contractor's surety bond for qualifying unpaid judgments. See Va. Code § 54.1-1120.1 for details.
General Liability Insurance
The Virginia contractor statutes and regulations do not specify a general liability insurance minimum for ordinary contractor firms. However, carrying general liability insurance is standard industry practice and is frequently required by project owners, general contractors, and local jurisdictions. Verify any insurance requirements for your specific classification with the Board for Contractors.
License Renewal
Virginia contractor licenses expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued (18VAC50-22-110). DPOR mails renewal notices, but failure to receive a notice does not excuse late renewal (18VAC50-22-120).
Renewal Window
Renewal must be received within 30 days after expiration. During that 30-day post-expiration period, the license is not valid — you may not perform contracting work. (18VAC50-22-130)
Reinstatement
If you miss the 30-day renewal window, you may apply for reinstatement for up to 24 months after expiration. After 24 months, the firm must reapply as a new applicant. If reinstated, the license keeps the same number and is treated as continuous for disciplinary and Recovery Fund purposes. (18VAC50-22-160, 18VAC50-22-180)
Continuing Education
The Board requires 8 hours of pre-license education for initial licensure and may order remedial education as a disciplinary measure. A standard continuing education requirement for renewal was not identified in official Board sources. Verify current CE requirements for your classification directly with the Board for Contractors.
Reciprocity with Other States
Virginia allows licensure by reciprocity or substantial equivalency under 18VAC50-22-70. The Board currently has formal exam-waiver agreements with two states:
Current Reciprocal Agreements
- North Carolina — Exam waiver for RBC (residential building contracting) and CBC (commercial building contracting) classifications
- Ohio — Exam waiver for business-and-law / Virginia advanced-and-general-law exams
Source: Reciprocity Agreements (PDF)
Reciprocity Requirements
- You must submit a complete application with all standard documentation.
- You must provide verification of licensure from the out-of-state board.
- Only the specific exam portions listed in the agreement are waived — all other Virginia requirements still apply.
NASCLA
No official Virginia source was identified confirming that Virginia accepts the NASCLA Accredited Examination. The Board's website links to NASCLA study materials, but the official reciprocity sheet lists only North Carolina and Ohio agreements. Verify NASCLA acceptance directly with the Board for Contractors.
How to Verify a Contractor's License
Virginia provides a free online license lookup tool for verifying any contractor's license status. This is essential for homeowners hiring contractors and for general contractors verifying subcontractor credentials.
DPOR License Lookup
URL: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup
Board Contact Information
| Licensing Section | (804) 367-8511 |
| Education Section | (804) 367-2224 |
| Board Office | (804) 367-2785 |
| Fax | (866) 430-1033 |
| contractors@dpor.virginia.gov | |
| Mailing Address | Board for Contractors, DPOR 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400 Richmond, VA 23233-1485 |
| Website | www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors |
Penalties for Working Without a License
Contracting without a license is prohibited under Va. Code § 54.1-1103. Virginia imposes both criminal and civil penalties for unlicensed contracting activity.
Criminal Penalties
Under Va. Code § 54.1-111:
- First or second offense: Willful unlawful practice is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
- Third or subsequent conviction within 36 months: Elevated to a Class 6 felony.
Civil Penalties
DPOR may seek civil penalties of $200 to $5,000 per violation, with a cap of $25,000 per year against one person or entity, plus injunctions and cease-and-desist orders. (Va. Code § 54.1-111)
State of Emergency Penalties
During a declared state of emergency, qualifying fraudulent, improper, or dishonest conduct can trigger an additional penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. (Va. Code § 54.1-1106.2)
Discipline for Licensed Contractors
Licensed contractors who violate Board rules face discipline including monetary penalties, license suspension or revocation, and mandatory remedial education. (18VAC50-22-200, Va. Code § 54.1-1110)
Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund
Virginia maintains a Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund for consumers with qualifying residential-construction judgments against licensed contractors. Recovery limits are $30,000 per claimant per transaction and $100,000 aggregate per contractor per biennium. (Va. Code § 54.1-1123, Va. Code § 54.1-1114)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Virginia contractor license for small projects?
You need a license for any single contract or project valued at more than $1,000. Projects at $1,000 or less are exempt from state licensing requirements, though local jurisdictions may have their own requirements.
Is the license issued to me personally or to my business?
Virginia contractor licenses are issued to business entities, not individuals. The business must designate a Qualified Individual who meets the experience and exam requirements. If you are a sole proprietor, the license is still issued to the business entity.
How long does the application process take?
The Board processes applications first in, first out, with an average processing time of approximately 30 days for routine applications. Non-routine applications requiring additional review or a fact-finding conference may take longer. Factor in additional time for completing pre-license education and passing exams before you apply.
What is the difference between a Qualified Individual and a Designated Employee?
The Qualified Individual (QI) is the person whose experience and exam results qualify the firm for its license classifications. The Designated Employee is required only for Class A and B firms and serves as a management-level contact for the Board. In some cases, the same person may serve in both roles.
Can I upgrade from a Class C to a Class B or A license?
Yes. You can apply to add a higher class to your existing license by meeting the additional experience, exam, and financial requirements for the higher class. The fee to change a Qualified Individual or Designated Employee is $125. Contact the Board for Contractors for the specific upgrade process.
What happens if my license expires?
You have a 30-day grace period after expiration to renew, but your license is not valid during that period — you may not perform contracting work. After 30 days, you must apply for reinstatement (available up to 24 months after expiration). After 24 months, you must reapply as a new applicant with all requirements from scratch.
Conclusion
Virginia's contractor licensing system is structured around three license classes with clear monetary thresholds and a wide range of specialty classifications. The requirements are straightforward: identify your class and classification, gain the required experience, complete pre-license education, pass the applicable exams, demonstrate financial stability (for Class A and B), and submit a complete application to DPOR.
Start your application by downloading the Standard Contractor Application (PDF). For questions, contact the Licensing Section at (804) 367-8511 or email contractors@dpor.virginia.gov.
This article is provided for informational purposes and was last updated in April 2026. Licensing requirements, fees, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Virginia Board for Contractors.