West Virginia general contractor license

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. General contractor license classes

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

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

1. Confirm classification Email your scope of work to [email protected] to confirm your classification. (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab))
2. Register the business Get a WV business tax number and register with the Secretary of State. (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab))
3. Apply Pass the exams, file proof of insurance and a wage bond affidavit, and apply online. (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab))

Exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by PROV. (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab), source: WVCLB exam bulletin (opens in a new tab))

• Contractor Licensing Act exam (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab), source: WVCLB exam bulletin (opens in a new tab))
• Trade exam (where required) (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (opens in a new tab), source: WVCLB exam bulletin (opens in a new tab))

Bond

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

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))

Renewal

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

4. How to look up a contractor

How: We couldn't confirm an online search. Ask the contractor for their license number and confirm it with the board at [email protected]. (source: WVCLB: Apply for License (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: WVCLB website (opens in a new tab).

Use the reciprocity checker

6. 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))

7. How to complain

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