Contractor licenses in
Virginia
Virginia licenses or registers contractors statewide.
Official search run by Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) at dpor.virginia.gov
Which work needs a license
The state licenses general, residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work.
Small jobs
Under $1,000
A Class C license applies to single contracts over $1,000 and under $30,000 (or under $250,000 total in 12 months), so jobs of $1,000 or less do not require a contractor license.
What a licensed contractor had to show
- Exam
- Class A and B firms need a designated employee who passed a board-approved exam; qualified individuals need an exam for their classification where applicable.
- Bond
- Class B firms must show $15,000 net worth or post a $50,000 surety bond; Class C has no financial requirement listed.
- Insurance
- Not confirmed
- Experience
- Qualified individual needs 1 year (Class C), 3 years (Class B), or 5 years (Class A) of experience in the classification.
State license searches
-
Virginia Board for Contractors (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
Class A, B, and C contractor firms on jobs over $1,000, including building, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
-
Virginia Tradesmen Program (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation)
Individual electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and gas fitting tradesmen
Search licenses (opens official site) Agency site (opens official site)
If something goes wrong
- File a complaint about a contractor (opens official site)
- Permits come from your city or county building department.