Updated April 2026
Virginia Contractor Licensing — Quick Facts
- State License Required?
- Yes
- Licensing Board
- Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors
- Minimum Project Threshold
- Class A: unlimited; Class B: up to $120,000; Class C: up to $10,000
- Surety Bond Required?
- Yes — $50,000 (Class A and B; alternative to financial statement)
Three license classes based on project value. Class C (up to $10,000) has lighter requirements. Separate RME (Responsible Managing Employee) and QI (Qualified Individual) designations. 3 exams for Cla
State-Specific Details
Three license classes based on project value. Class C (up to $10,000) has lighter requirements. Separate RME (Responsible Managing Employee) and QI (Qualified Individual) designations. 3 exams for Class A/B. Education course mandatory.
Virginia requires contractors to hold a state license for projects exceeding Class A: unlimited; Class B: up to $120,000; Class C: up to $10,000 in labor and materials. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors oversees licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Step 1: Get the Contractor's License Number
Any legitimate contractor in Virginia should readily provide their license number. It should appear on their business card, vehicle, website, and advertising. If a contractor refuses to share their license number, don't hire them.
Step 2: Verify the License
Visit the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors website to look up the contractor's license. We're working on adding Virginia license data to our search tool — check our Virginia page for updates.
When checking the license, verify:
- Status is "Active" — not expired, suspended, or revoked
- Name matches — the business name on the license should match who you're hiring
- Classifications cover your project — a plumbing license doesn't cover electrical work
- License won't expire during your project
Step 3: Check Bond and Insurance
Virginia requires licensed contractors to carry a surety bond ($50,000 (Class A and B; alternative to financial statement)). The bond protects consumers if the contractor violates state regulations or abandons a project. Ask the contractor for proof of their bond, and verify it through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors.
Step 4: Check Complaint History
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors tracks complaints filed against licensed contractors. Before hiring, check if the contractor has any past disciplinary actions, complaints, or violations. Visit the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors website to check complaint history.
What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?
Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Virginia puts you at risk:
- Your homeowner's insurance may not cover work done by unlicensed contractors
- You have limited legal recourse if the work is defective
- No surety bond to file claims against
- Unpermitted work can cause problems when selling your home
- No bond protection — the bond is your safety net
How to Report an Unlicensed Contractor in Virginia
If you suspect a contractor is working without a license in Virginia, report them to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors. Unlicensed contracting is typically a misdemeanor and carries fines and potential jail time.
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.