Skip to main content
Back to Contractor Licensing Guide
VAState License RequiredNASCLA Accepted

Virginia Contractor License

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) / Board for Contractors

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.

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.

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
Official Board Website

Fees

Application Fee
$235 (Class C); $370 (Class B); $385 (Class A)
License Fee
Included in application fee
Renewal Fee
$235 - $385 biennially

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

Insurance Requirements

General Liability
Not state-mandated but industry standard
Workers Comp
Required if you regularly employ more than 2 employees
Surety Bond
$50,000 for Class A and B; not required for Class C

Continuing Education

3 hours every 2 years

Reciprocity States

MDWVNCALLAMSSCTN

Specialty Licenses Required

ElectricalPlumbingHVACGas FittingFire SprinklerElevator

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete 8 hours of pre-license education
  2. 2Submit application to DPOR for the appropriate class (A, B, or C)
  3. 3Pass the required exams (NASCLA accepted for trade; VA business/law required)
  4. 4Obtain a $50,000 surety bond (Class A and B)
  5. 5Obtain workers compensation insurance if you have 3+ employees
  6. 6Pay application fee ($235-$385 depending on class)

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Class 1 misdemeanor; fines up to $2,500; up to 12 months imprisonment; loss of lien rights

Related Templates

Pre-Qualification QuestionnaireCOI Request FormSubcontractor Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
Yes. Virginia requires a licensing exam. The state accepts the NASCLA standardized exam as an alternative to the state-specific exam.
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.
Class 1 misdemeanor; fines up to $2,500; up to 12 months imprisonment; loss of lien rights
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.
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.
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.

© 2026 ConstructionBids.ai — A LaderaLabs Product