Virginia contractor license lookup
Virginia contractors are licensed by the Board for Contractors (DPOR) as Class A, B or C, depending on job size. A license is needed for single jobs over $1,000. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab), source: Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the DPOR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Enter a name, license number, address or license type in DPOR License Lookup, or use Advanced Search. There is also a Disciplinary Action Search. (source: Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
Class C licenses start at single contracts over $1,000. Class B covers $30,000 to under $150,000 per contract, and Class A covers $150,000 or more. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab))
- Yearly totals also count: Class A covers $1 million or more in 12 months; Class C covers less than $250,000. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab))
Penalties
- Contracting without a license or the right class is a Class 1 misdemeanor, plus fines of up to $500 for each day of violation. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1103 (opens in a new tab))
2. License types and classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Class A contractor | Single contracts of $150,000 or more, or $1 million or more in 12 months (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Class B | Class B contractor | Single contracts of $30,000 to under $150,000 (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab)) |
| Class C | Class C contractor | Single contracts over $1,000 but under $30,000, and under $250,000 in 12 months (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Required insurance and bonds
We're still verifying this, check the official board: DPOR website (opens in a new tab).
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the DPOR website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Enter a name, license number, address or license type in DPOR License Lookup, or use Advanced Search. There is also a Disciplinary Action Search. (source: Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
You can search by: Name, License number, Address, License type. (source: Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
5. Red flags when hiring
- A job bigger than their license class allows. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab))
- Not found in DPOR License Lookup, or has disciplinary actions. (source: Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))
6. Consumer protections and complaints
Recovery Fund
- You need a Virginia court judgment against a licensed contractor first. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
- Claims are capped at $30,000 each and $100,000 per contractor every two years. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
- Filing a claim does not guarantee payment. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
7. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- Virginia DPOR: Board for Contractors (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
- Code of Virginia 54.1-1103 (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].
Common questions
When do I need a contractor license in Virginia?
For single contracts over $1,000. The class (A, B or C) depends on the job size. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab))
What is the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund?
It can repay people with a Virginia court judgment against a licensed contractor, up to $30,000 per claim. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
What is the penalty for unlicensed contracting in Virginia?
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with fines of up to $500 a day for working without the right license class. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1103 (opens in a new tab))