At a Glance
Quick Answer
Virginia requires a state-level contractor license for projects above Class A: unlimited; Class B: $10,000-$120,000; Class C: $1,000-$10,000. Exam required. NASCLA accepted. Administered by Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) / Board for Contractors.
Context
Licensing & Bidding in Virginia
Virginia requires a state contractor license to legally bid and perform most construction work, administered by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors. Licensure is tiered by the dollar value of the work you intend to take on: Class C covers single projects of $1,000 to $10,000, Class B covers $10,000 to $120,000, and Class A is unlimited. Bid only within the class you hold — taking a contract above your tier exposes you to disciplinary action and can jeopardize payment. If you expect to chase larger jobs, license up to Class A before you bid so your tier never caps your pipeline.
Getting licensed in Virginia involves a real process: 8 hours of pre-license education for all applicants, and Class A and B applicants must pass three exams. Virginia accepts the NASCLA exam for the trade portion, which is a meaningful advantage for multi-state contractors who already hold NASCLA credentials. Class A and B contractors must also carry a $50,000 surety bond, and continuing education of 3 hours every 2 years is required to keep the license active. Factor exam timing, bond cost, and CE into your bid-readiness calendar.
Out-of-state bidders should note Virginia's broad reciprocity network, with exam reciprocity recognized for credentials from states including Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee — and NASCLA acceptance smooths entry further. The downside of skipping licensure is steep: unlicensed contracting is a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500, up to 12 months imprisonment, and loss of mechanics lien rights. Losing lien rights means losing your strongest tool to collect on a disputed bid, so license correctly before you submit.
Details
Key Facts & Fees
Key Facts
- GC License Required
- Yes
- Threshold
- Class A: unlimited; Class B: $10,000-$120,000; Class C: $1,000-$10,000
- Exam Required
- Yes
- NASCLA Accepted
- Yes
Fees
- Application Fee
- $235 (Class C); $370 (Class B); $385 (Class A)
- License Fee
- Included in application fee
- Renewal Fee
- $235 - $385 biennially
Reference
Key Facts
Three license classes based on project value: A (unlimited), B ($10K-$120K), C ($1K-$10K)
8 hours of pre-license education required for all applicants
Class A and B require 3 exams; NASCLA accepted for trade portion
$50,000 surety bond required for Class A and B contractors
Requirements
Insurance Requirements
Education
Continuing Education
3 hours every 2 years
Interstate
Reciprocity States
Specialty
Specialty Licenses Required
Process
How to Apply
- 1Complete 8 hours of pre-license education
- 2Submit application to DPOR for the appropriate class (A, B, or C)
- 3Pass the required exams (NASCLA accepted for trade; VA business/law required)
- 4Obtain a $50,000 surety bond (Class A and B)
- 5Obtain workers compensation insurance if you have 3+ employees
- 6Pay application fee ($235-$385 depending on class)
Enforcement
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Class 1 misdemeanor; fines up to $2,500; up to 12 months imprisonment; loss of lien rights
Resources
Related Templates
Find licensed-work opportunities faster
Use ConstructionBids.ai to monitor public bid sources, save searches by trade and location, and keep license-sensitive opportunities in one workflow.
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Do I need a contractor license in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires a state-level contractor license for projects above Class A: unlimited; Class B: $10,000-$120,000; Class C: $1,000-$10,000. The administering board is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) / Board for Contractors.
Is an exam required in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires a licensing exam. The state accepts the NASCLA standardized exam as an alternative to the state-specific exam.
What insurance is required in Virginia?
General Liability: Not state-mandated but industry standard. Workers Comp: Required if you regularly employ more than 2 employees. Bond: $50,000 for Class A and B; not required for Class C.
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Virginia?
Class 1 misdemeanor; fines up to $2,500; up to 12 months imprisonment; loss of lien rights
What contractor license class do I need to bid larger projects in Virginia?
Virginia uses three classes tied to project value: Class C handles $1,000 to $10,000, Class B handles $10,000 to $120,000, and Class A is unlimited. Bid only within your class. If you plan to pursue jobs above $120,000, obtain a Class A license, which requires a $50,000 surety bond and multiple exams.
Does Virginia accept the NASCLA exam or out-of-state licenses?
Yes. Virginia accepts the NASCLA exam for the trade portion of Class A and B licenses and recognizes exam reciprocity with several states, including Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. This makes Virginia accessible to multi-state contractors, though state-specific requirements like the bond and pre-license education still apply.
What is the penalty for unlicensed contracting in Virginia?
Unlicensed contracting in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $2,500 and up to 12 months imprisonment. Critically, unlicensed contractors also forfeit mechanics lien rights, removing your primary legal leverage to collect payment on a disputed contract. License before bidding to protect both eligibility and collections.