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Virginia - 2026 Contractor License Requirements
Official Virginia contractor license lookup information, agency details, and homeowner notes for verifying a contractor before hiring.
Official agency
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Official license lookup; use Board for Contractors records.
Visit official lookupAbout Virginia contractor licensing
Virginia gives homeowners a clear statewide contractor system through DPOR's Board for Contractors. The state's class structure is especially useful because it ties the license directly to project size, helping homeowners judge whether a contractor is properly credentialed for the dollar value of the work being proposed.
How licensing works in Virginia
Virginia uses three core contractor classes. Class C generally covers projects from $1,000 up to $10,000, Class B covers $10,000 to $120,000, and Class A covers projects above that. Homeowners should compare the total project value to the contractor's class rather than just asking whether the company has a Virginia license. A contractor may be fully legitimate but still not licensed for a project of your size. Specialty trade credentials and local permits can still matter separately.
Project thresholds
Virginia commonly uses Class C for $1,000 to $10,000 projects, Class B for $10,000 to $120,000, and Class A for projects above $120,000.
What to verify in Virginia
Use the DPOR license lookup and search by business name, individual, or license number. Confirm the license is active and identify whether the contractor holds Class A, B, or C authority. Compare that class to the total contract value, including major change orders you already anticipate. Also make sure the exact legal business name on the DPOR record matches the entity that will sign your contract and receive payment.
State-specific tips
- › For Virginia projects, always compare the contract price to the contractor's class instead of stopping at active status.
- › If the bid is close to a class limit, ask how the contractor will handle allowances and later scope changes.
- › Do not let a contractor break one remodel into multiple small contracts just to fit a lower Virginia class.
- › For additions and detached structures, confirm the prime contractor's class before you start permit drawings.
- › Ask who the designated employee or responsible management person is if the company structure seems layered or recently changed.
Free template
Virginia Contractor Agreement Template
Download a free homeowner-contractor agreement template built for Virginia law.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What work requires a licensed contractor in Virginia?
- Virginia requires a contractor license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for any single project valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials under Va. Code §54.1-1100. This covers most home improvement work: remodels, additions, roofing, siding, and structural work. Specialty trades — electrical, plumbing, HVAC — require their own state licenses regardless of project size.
- What is the difference between bonded, licensed, and insured?
- Licensed means the contractor holds an active DPOR credential verified against examination and experience requirements. Bonded means the contractor carries a surety bond required by DPOR — amounts vary by license class and provide limited recourse if work is not completed as agreed. Insured refers to general liability and workers' compensation; always request certificates and verify them independently with the insurer.
- Is there a dollar threshold below which I don't need a licensed contractor in Virginia?
- Yes. Projects under $1,000 in combined labor and materials are exempt from DPOR contractor licensing — but this threshold is low enough that virtually all meaningful home improvement work exceeds it. Specialty trade work — electrical, plumbing, HVAC — requires its own licensed contractor regardless of the dollar amount.
- Can I do my own home improvement work without a licensed contractor in Virginia?
- Yes. Virginia's owner-builder exemption allows homeowners to perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license. You must own and intend to occupy the property. Permits may be required, and as owner-builder you accept responsibility for code compliance. The exemption does not apply to work done for others or to properties being built or renovated primarily for resale.
- What license does a general contractor need in Virginia?
- DPOR issues contractor licenses in three classes based on project volume. Class C covers single contracts up to $10,000 and total annual volume up to $150,000. Class B covers single contracts between $10,000 and $120,000 and annual volume between $150,000 and $750,000. Class A covers single contracts over $120,000 or annual volume over $750,000. Most residential remodel contractors hold a Class B or Class A license depending on their scale of work.
- How do I verify a contractor's license in Virginia?
- Use the DPOR license lookup at dpor.virginia.gov. Search by contractor name, business name, or license number. Confirm the license is active and that the class covers your project scope and value. The DPOR record shows license class, expiration date, and any disciplinary history. Verify specialty trade credentials separately through DPOR or the relevant Virginia trade board.
- What does an active vs. inactive license mean in Virginia?
- An Active license means the contractor is in good standing with DPOR and legally authorized to perform work within their license class. An expired or inactive license means the contractor cannot legally take on new projects until reinstated. Always verify Active status on the DPOR website immediately before hiring — license class matters as much as status, so confirm both.
- What insurance and bond does a licensed contractor need in Virginia?
- DPOR-licensed contractors must carry a surety bond or equivalent financial guarantee, with amounts varying by license class. Contractors with employees are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance. General liability insurance is not mandated by DPOR but is strongly recommended; always request a certificate and verify it independently before work begins.
- What happens if a contractor works without a license in Virginia?
- Performing work requiring a DPOR contractor license without one is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code §54.1-1115, punishable by fines and possible imprisonment. DPOR can issue cease-and-desist orders and civil penalties. Contracts with unlicensed contractors may be unenforceable. Homeowners retain recourse under Virginia's Consumer Protection Act.
- My contractor's license expired mid-project — what now?
- An expired DPOR license means the contractor is no longer legally authorized to work. Stop payments for work performed after the expiration date and require renewal before continuing. Verify Active status on the DPOR website before releasing further payments. Virginia's consumer protection statutes may provide grounds to dispute payments for work performed without an active license.
- Am I liable if an unlicensed worker gets hurt on my property in Virginia?
- Potentially yes. If a contractor has no workers' compensation insurance and an employee is injured, Virginia law may expose you to liability for medical costs and disability benefits as the de facto employer. Hiring a DPOR-licensed contractor with verified workers' comp coverage eliminates this risk; confirm coverage before work begins.
- How do I file a complaint against a contractor in Virginia?
- File a complaint with DPOR at dpor.virginia.gov. DPOR investigates, can suspend or revoke licenses, issue civil penalties, and order corrective action. For disputes with unlicensed contractors, contact the Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section. File as early as possible — delays can limit your options.