West Virginia contractor license lookup

1. Who needs a license

$5,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: W. Va. Code 30-42-3 (opens in a new tab))

A license is needed to build, alter, repair or demolish, or bid to, at $5,000 or more (residential) or $25,000 or more (commercial). (source: W. Va. Code 30-42-3 (opens in a new tab))

2. License types and classes

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

3. Required insurance and bonds

Insurance

• Workers' comp: Workers' comp and unemployment compensation for WV employees (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab))
• General liability: Required (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab))

Ask for proof of insurance and check the bond on the official lookup before work starts.

4. How to look up a contractor

Check a license on the WVCLB website ↗ (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Use the WV Contractor Licensing Board license search, then check the license is active and covers the work. (source: WV Contractor Licensing Board: Verify a License (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor

5. Red flags when hiring

• No license number on the contract or ad. (source: W. Va. Code 30-42-6 (opens in a new tab))
• A residential job of $5,000 or more with no license. (source: W. Va. Code 30-42-3 (opens in a new tab))

6. Consumer protections and complaints

License number on ads and contracts

• The contractor's license number must appear on ads and contracts, and the license must be posted at the job site. (source: W. Va. Code 30-42-6 (opens in a new tab))