Virginia Contractor License Types
| License Type | Application Fee | Annual Renewal | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Contractor Unlimited monetary authority. Required when a single contract or project is $150,000 or more, or when total 12-month work is $1 million or more (Va. Code § 54.1-1100). Requires verified financial position, designated employee, qualified individual, and passage of the Class A Contractor Licensing Exam. | $400 | $270 (every 2 years) + $30 Recovery Fund assessment | Not required by the Board (local jurisdictions may require) |
| Class B Contractor Mid-tier authority. Required when a single contract is $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, or when 12-month aggregate is $250,000–<$1,000,000 (Va. Code § 54.1-1100). Requires designated employee, qualified individual, and passage of the Class B Contractor Licensing Exam. | $380 | $260 (every 2 years) + $30 Recovery Fund assessment | Not required by the Board (local jurisdictions may require) |
| Class C Contractor Entry-tier authority. Required when a single contract is over $1,000 but less than $30,000, or when 12-month aggregate is less than $250,000 (Va. Code § 54.1-1100). Requires a qualified individual and passage of the Class C Contractor Licensing Exam. | $235 | $220 (every 2 years) + $30 Recovery Fund assessment | Not required by the Board (local jurisdictions may require) |
| Residential Building Contractor (Trade Classification) Trade classification for construction, remodeling, and repair of one- and two-family residential dwellings and townhouses. Held in combination with a Class A, B, or C license. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Commercial Building Contractor (Trade Classification) Trade classification for construction, remodeling, and repair of commercial, industrial, institutional, and multifamily (three or more units) structures. Held in combination with a Class A, B, or C license. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Highway / Heavy Contractor (Trade Classification) Trade classification for construction of highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, railroads, dams, harbors, levees, pipelines, and other heavy civil infrastructure. Held in combination with a Class A, B, or C license. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Electrical Contracting (Specialty) Specialty designation for installation, repair, improvement, or removal of electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part thereof annexed to real property. Requires a Board-licensed master electrician as the qualified individual. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Plumbing Contracting (Specialty) Specialty designation for installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with water supply, venting, and drainage systems annexed to real property. Requires a Board-licensed master plumber as the qualified individual. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Contracting (Specialty) Specialty designation for installation, repair, improvement, or removal of HVAC systems annexed to real property. Requires a Board-licensed master HVAC tradesman as the qualified individual. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Home Improvement Contracting (Specialty) Specialty designation for repairs, alterations, and improvements to one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, along with accessory structures. Covers work that does not rise to new residential construction under RBC. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
| Gas Fitting Contracting (Specialty) Specialty designation for installation, repair, improvement, or removal of gas piping and gas appliances annexed to real property. Requires a Board-licensed master gas fitter as the qualified individual. | Included with license class fee | Included with license class renewal | Not required by the Board |
Processing time: Typically 30 to 60 days from a complete application to license issuance, assuming all experience, financial, exam, and pre-license education documentation is in order. Incomplete applications extend the timeline. from application submission to license issuance.
Virginia (VA) licenses contractors at the state level through the Virginia Board for Contractors under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Any person who performs, manages, or bids on construction, removal, repair, or improvement of real property for more than $1,000 on a single project must hold a contractor license (Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100). Licenses are issued in three classes — A, B, and C — based on the dollar value of individual contracts and 12-month aggregate work. All applicants must complete eight hours of Board-approved pre-license education, pass the Virginia Contractor Licensing Exam, and hold at least one trade classification (Residential Building, Commercial Building, Highway/Heavy) or specialty designation (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, and 40+ others). Virginia does not require a state surety bond, but maintains the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund — funded by a $25 assessment at licensure and $30 at each renewal — which pays consumer claims up to $30,000 per transaction.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's Virginia License Number
Ask the contractor for their DPOR license number. Virginia contractor license numbers typically begin with '2705' followed by digits. Virginia Code § 54.1-1111 requires proof of a valid state contractor license before a local building permit can be issued, so any contractor who can't give you a license number is a red flag.
Step 2: Look Up the License on DPOR License Lookup
Use the DPOR License Lookup tool to verify the contractor. You can search by license number, business name, or individual name. The lookup shows license class (A/B/C), trade classifications and specialty designations, current status (active, expired, suspended, revoked), expiration date, and any disciplinary history.
Step 3: Confirm the Correct Class and Specialty for Your Project
A Class C license cannot legally perform a $50,000 single contract — that requires Class B or A. Likewise, a contractor doing electrical work needs the ELE specialty, plumbing needs PLB, HVAC needs HVA. Match the license class and specialty to your project value and scope.
- Class C: single contract over $1,000 but less than $30,000
- Class B: single contract $30,000 to less than $150,000
- Class A: single contract $150,000 or more (no upper limit)
- Confirm the correct trade classification (RBC, CBC, H/H) or specialty designation is on the license
Step 4: Check Disciplinary History and Complaints
The DPOR License Lookup publishes disciplinary actions taken by the Board. You can also contact DPOR directly at (804) 367-8511 to ask about pending investigations. A history of Board sanctions or Transaction Recovery Fund claims is a significant warning sign.
Step 5: Verify Workers' Compensation Coverage
Under the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act, any contractor with three or more employees (including part-time and subcontractors treated as statutory employees) must carry workers' compensation insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance and verify coverage is current before work starts.
Virginia Contractor Insurance Requirements
| Insurance Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Required under the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act for any contractor who regularly employs three or more workers (including subcontractors deemed statutory employees). Contractors below the threshold may still elect coverage. |
| General Liability | Not mandated by the Board for Contractors at the state level. Local jurisdictions, project owners, and general contractors routinely require it; ask for a Certificate of Insurance before hiring. |
Virginia Contractor Bond Requirements
The Virginia Board for Contractors does not require a surety bond as a condition of licensure. Consumer protection instead flows through the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund, which is funded by a $25 assessment at initial licensure and $30 at each renewal and pays qualifying claims up to $30,000 per transaction. Individual cities and counties in Virginia may still require local performance or license bonds for specific projects.
Virginia Consumer Protections for Home Improvement
Virginia law provides several important protections for homeowners hiring contractors:
- The Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund pays up to $30,000 per claim / $100,000 per licensee per biennium to consumers with uncollectible court judgments against licensed contractors (Va. Code § 54.1-1123).
- Local building permits cannot legally be issued without proof of a valid Virginia contractor license or a written exemption affidavit (Va. Code § 54.1-1111).
- Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with an additional civil penalty of up to $500 for each day of violation (Va. Code § 54.1-1115).
- DPOR investigates consumer complaints, and the Board for Contractors may impose fines, probation, license suspension, or revocation.
- Residential construction contracts are subject to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, which allows consumers to recover actual damages, attorneys' fees, and in some cases treble damages for deceptive practices.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Virginia puts you at risk:
- Unlicensed contracting in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 54.1-1115, with an additional civil penalty of up to $500 for each day of violation
- Local building officials cannot legally issue permits to an unlicensed contractor, so any permitted work stalls (Va. Code § 54.1-1111)
- Contracts with unlicensed contractors can be unenforceable in court
- You lose access to the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund — which only pays claims against licensed contractors
- Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims arising from work performed by an unlicensed contractor
- DPOR investigates unlicensed activity and can refer cases to the Attorney General for prosecution
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Virginia
Report unlicensed contracting activity to DPOR. Performing contractor work without a valid license on projects exceeding $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code § 54.1-1115. DPOR investigates and works with the Attorney General's office on prosecution.
- Online: dpor.virginia.gov (Consumers → File a Complaint)
- Phone: (804) 367-8504 (DPOR Compliance and Investigations)
- Mail: DPOR Compliance and Investigations, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233
How to File a Complaint Against a Registered Contractor in Virginia
DPOR investigates complaints against Virginia contractors. The Board for Contractors can take disciplinary action including fines, probation, suspension, or license revocation. Consumers with unpaid judgments against licensed contractors may also file a claim against the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund.
You can file a complaint by:
- Online: File a complaint at dpor.virginia.gov (Consumers → File a Complaint)
- Phone: (804) 367-8504 (DPOR Compliance and Investigations Division)
- Mail: DPOR Compliance and Investigations, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233
For financial recovery beyond DPOR's disciplinary authority, consumers must obtain a civil court judgment and either collect directly or file a claim against the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund under Va. Code § 54.1-1120 et seq.
Virginia Contractor Bond Schedule
Virginia uses a state-administered recovery fund instead of a state-mandated surety bond. Consumers who win a court judgment against a licensed contractor and cannot collect may file a claim against the Fund.
| License Type | Bond Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund — per claim | $30,000 maximum per claimant per transaction | Per Va. Code § 54.1-1123. Claimant must first obtain an unpaid court judgment and conduct an asset search. |
| Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund — per licensee | $100,000 aggregate per biennium | Per Va. Code § 54.1-1123. Caps total payouts against any one licensee during any two-year period. |
| Recovery Fund Assessment (licensee-paid) | $25 at initial licensure; $30 at each renewal | Collected with license fees under 18VAC50-22-100 and 18VAC50-22-140 and deposited into the Fund. |
What Makes Virginia Contractor Licensing Unique
Three License Classes by Dollar Value
Virginia is one of the few states that tiers contractor licenses by project size. Class C covers single contracts from $1,001 to under $30,000; Class B covers $30,000 to under $150,000; Class A covers $150,000 and up with no ceiling (Va. Code § 54.1-1100). A contractor must hold the correct class for every contract they sign.
Transaction Recovery Fund Instead of a State Bond
Unlike most states, Virginia does not require contractors to post a surety bond. Instead, every licensee pays into the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund — $25 at initial licensure and $30 at each renewal — which pays consumer claims up to $30,000 per transaction for uncollectible court judgments (Va. Code § 54.1-1123).
40+ Specialty Designations
Beyond the three trade classifications (RBC, CBC, H/H), Virginia recognizes more than 40 specialty designations under 18VAC50-22-30 — from Asphalt Paving (PAV) to Water Well Pump (WWP). A contractor can only perform work within the specialties listed on their license.
No Local Building Permit Without a State License
Va. Code § 54.1-1111 bars local building officials from issuing a permit to anyone who hasn't produced either a valid state contractor license or a sworn affidavit of exemption. This makes the state license effectively mandatory for any permitted work.
Eight Hours of Pre-License Education
Every applicant for a Class A, B, or C license must complete eight hours of Board-approved pre-license education in addition to passing the Contractor Licensing Exam. Trade-specific courses are required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas-fitting specialties.
Virginia Contractor License Fees
Frequently Asked Questions: Virginia Contractor Licensing
How do I check a contractor's license in Virginia?
Go to the DPOR License Lookup at dporweb.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup/ and search by license number, business name, or individual name. The results show the contractor's license class (A, B, or C), trade classifications and specialty designations, current status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions on file. You can also call the Board for Contractors at (804) 367-8511.
What's the threshold for needing a Virginia contractor license?
Any single contract valued at more than $1,000 requires a Virginia contractor license under Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100. In addition, local building officials are barred from issuing permits without a state license under § 54.1-1111 — so even smaller permitted jobs effectively require a license. Work at or under $1,000 does not require state licensure.
What's the difference between Class A, B, and C contractor licenses in Virginia?
Class C covers single contracts over $1,000 but less than $30,000 (or under $250,000 in 12-month aggregate work). Class B covers $30,000 to less than $150,000 single contracts (or $250,000 to under $1 million annual). Class A covers $150,000 and up with no upper limit (or $1 million+ annual). A contractor must hold the right class for every contract they sign — the state can void contracts and impose penalties for signing above your class.
Do Virginia contractors need a surety bond?
No. The Virginia Board for Contractors does not require a state surety bond for licensure. Instead, every licensed contractor contributes to the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund — a $25 assessment at initial licensure and $30 at each renewal — which pays consumer claims up to $30,000 per transaction. Individual cities and counties in Virginia may still require bonds for specific permits.
How much does a Virginia contractor license cost?
Initial application fees are $400 (Class A), $380 (Class B), and $235 (Class C), plus a one-time $25 Recovery Fund assessment. Renewal every two years costs $270, $260, and $220 respectively, plus a $30 Recovery Fund assessment at each renewal. Adding a classification or specialty is $125. A temporary license is $60. All fees are non-refundable.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Virginia?
Unlicensed contracting in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor with an additional civil penalty of up to $500 per day of violation under Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115. Contracts with unlicensed contractors can be unenforceable, and you lose access to the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund. Local building officials are also barred from issuing permits to unlicensed contractors, meaning any permitted work will stall.
How do I file a complaint against a Virginia contractor?
File a complaint with DPOR online at dpor.virginia.gov, by phone at (804) 367-8504, or by mail to DPOR Compliance and Investigations, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233. DPOR investigates and the Board for Contractors can impose fines, probation, suspension, or revocation. For unpaid financial harm, you may also file a claim against the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund after obtaining a court judgment.
How long does it take to get a Virginia contractor license?
Typical processing time is 30 to 60 days from a complete application, assuming experience documentation, financial statements (for Class A and B), pre-license education certificates, and exam scores are all in order. Incomplete submissions or background-check issues can extend the timeline.
What is the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund?
The Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund is a state-administered fund that pays consumer claims of up to $30,000 per transaction, and up to $100,000 per licensee per two-year period, when a consumer has a court judgment against a licensed Virginia contractor and cannot collect (Code of Virginia § 54.1-1123). It is funded by a $25 assessment at initial licensure and $30 at each renewal — no separate consumer premium.
Does Virginia require workers' comp for contractors?
Yes, if the contractor regularly employs three or more workers, including part-time employees and subcontractors deemed statutory employees under the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act. Contractors with fewer than three employees are not required to carry coverage but may elect to. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance before hiring.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.
- Virginia Board for Contractors — DPOR (home) — Primary regulator for Virginia contractor licensing; board office, contact info, pre-license education requirement (8 hours). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- DPOR License Lookup (official lookup tool) — Public license search by number, business name, or individual name. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100 — Definitions (Class A/B/C monetary limits) — Statutory definitions of Class A ($150K+ single / $1M+ aggregate), Class B ($30K–<$150K / $250K–<$1M), Class C (>$1K–<$30K / <$250K). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1111 — Building permit prerequisites — Bars local building officials from issuing permits without a state license or exemption affidavit. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1115 — Prohibited acts and penalty — Unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor plus a civil penalty of up to $500 per day of violation. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1123 — Transaction Recovery Fund limitations — Per-claim cap of $30,000; per-licensee biennial aggregate cap of $100,000. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1120 — Recovery Fund claim procedures — Who may claim against the Fund and procedural requirements (unpaid judgment, asset search). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 18VAC50-22-30 — Definitions of specialty services — Complete list of Virginia contractor specialty designations (ELE, PLB, HVA, HIC, GFC, and 40+ others). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 18VAC50-22-100 — Application fees — Initial license fees: Class A $400, Class B $380, Class C $235; $25 Recovery Fund assessment; $125 to add classification or specialty. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 18VAC50-22-140 — Renewal fees — Renewal fees: Class A $270, Class B $260, Class C $220; $30 Recovery Fund assessment at each renewal. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- 18VAC50-22-170 — Reinstatement fees — Reinstatement window of 2 years from expiration; reinstatement fees of $550 (Class A/B) and $460 (Class C) including renewal. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
- Code of Virginia Title 54.1, Chapter 11 — Contractors — Master index of the contractor licensing statute, including the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Act (Article 2). (retrieved 2026-04-20)
Other States
Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.
Ready to look up a contractor?
Search on Official Virginia Site →