Virginia general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance

Fees

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Experience and steps

Qualified individual experience: 1 year (Class C), 3 years (Class B), 5 years (Class A). (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))

1. Take pre-license education Complete 8 hours of pre-license education. DPOR runs a free monthly class. (source: Virginia DPOR: Board for Contractors (opens in a new tab))
2. Name a qualified individual For each classification: 1 year of experience (Class C), 3 years (Class B) or 5 years (Class A). (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))
3. Show finances Class B firms show $15,000 net worth and Class A firms $45,000, or a $50,000 surety bond instead. (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))
4. Apply and pay Pay the license fee plus the $25 Recovery Fund assessment. (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))

• Class A and B firms need a designated employee who passed a board-approved exam. (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))
• Qualified individuals pass exams for their classification where required. (source: 18VAC50-22 Board for Contractors Regulations, Part II (opens in a new tab))

Bond

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DPOR website (opens in a new tab).

Insurance

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DPOR website (opens in a new tab).

Renewal

From 1 July 2026, some fees include a $7.25 yearly Technology Fee. (source: Virginia DPOR: Board for Contractors (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))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Reciprocity (license transfer)

We're still verifying this, check the official board: DPOR website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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))