Everything You Need to Know About Obtaining or Renewing a Virginia Contractor’s License.
Are you looking to become a Virginia Contractor? This article can help answer the most frequently asked questions, from obtaining a Virginia Contractor’s License to later renewing your license.
Who is Required to Get a Virginia Contractor’s License?
Virginia requires anyone performing or managing construction, improvements, repair, or removal with a total value of a single project over $1,000 must obtain a Virginia Contractor’s license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
What is the difference in classes of Virginia contractor licenses?
Virginia Contractor’s Licenses consist of two parts; the class of license and the classification or specialty regarding the type of work performed. The class determines if any restrictions are placed on the contracts/projects completed, and the classification determines your specialty. There are three Virginia Contractor license classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. The classes determine the total value of the project(s) a contractor can perform. Here is how each class is broken down:
Virginia Class A Contractor License is required for contractors who work on single projects that exceed $120,000 or complete $750,000 in total project value in 12 months. Other Class A requirements include:
- Minimum net worth of $45,000
- Minimum five (5) years experience
- Unlimited maximum size
- Unlimited maximum annual revenue
- Ability to demolish or deconstruct any building in addition to constructing
Virginia Class B Contractor License is required for contractors who work on single projects between $10,000 to $120,000 or complete $150,000 in total project value in 12 months. Additional requirements include:
- Minimum net worth of $15,000
- Minimum three (3) years experience
- Maximum project size is less than $120,000
- Maximum annual revenue is less than $750,000
Virginia Class C Contractor License is required for contractors who work on single projects between $1,000 to $10,000 or complete less than $150,000 in total project value in 12 months.
- Applies to repairs, improvements, or construction of a project
- No minimum net worth requirement.
- Minimum two (2) years experience
- Maximum project size is less than $10,000
- Maximum annual revenue is less than $150,000
What is the Process for obtaining a Virginia Contractor License?
Below you will find a list of the basic steps for obtaining a Virginia Contractor’s License. For more details, download the step-by-step DPOR application guide.
- Create a business entity. Before applying for your application, name your business and register your business with the state of Virginia here
- Decide which license you need (A, B, or C, as listed previously)
- Take a mandatory 8-Hour pre-license course (required for all license types)
- Pass the required exams
- Complete your application and submit it to the Board with the appropriate fee
What are the fees for the different types of Virginia Contractor Licenses?
Here is a list of fees for obtaining your Virginia Contractor’s License:
Pre-licensing Course Fees:
Pre-licensing course fees will vary depending on the provider. @Home Prep offers the 8-hour pre-licensing course for $102.
Exam Fees:
$40 One portion of the exam
$72 Two parts of the exam
$85 Three parts of the exam
$85 QI specialty exam
License Application Fees:
Virginia Class A Contractor License: $385
Virginia Class B Contractor License: $370
Virginia Class C Contractor License: $235
How long does it take to get a Virginia Contractor’s License?
The average processing time for most applications is approximately 30 days, but it can be more or less depending on a broad range of factors.
How often does a Virginia Contractor License need to be renewed?
The license needs to be renewed every two years. There is no additional exam required, just the renewal fee.
What is the Process of renewing a Virginia Contractor’s license?
Virginia contractors are required to renew their licenses every two years. The specific requirements for renewing vary based on your license type. Here are the basic requirements for renewing your Virginia Contractor’s License:
- Submission of Renewal Application
- Payment of Renewal Fee
- Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
- No Outstanding Violations
More detailed information on renewal requirements for each type of Virginia Contractor license can be found on the DPOR website under the Board of Contractors. If you don’t renew your license before it expires, you could be subject to penalties, fines, or potentially having your license taken away.
Is there Continuing Education required to renew my Virginia Contractor’s license?
While there are no continuing education requirements for renewing a Virginia Contractor’s License, there may be for trade-related specialties. Contact DPOR to confirm whether your specialty requires continuing Education or not. Ready to start your career as a contractor in Virginia? As a National Leader in online trade Education, with over 100,000 satisfied students @HomePrep is here to support your Virginia Contractor Education needs, from pre-licensing to renewals.
