1. If I have a contractor license in Maryland or Washington, D.C., can I do projects Virginia?
No. You must be licensed in each jurisdiction. There are no reciprocal agreements between D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
2. What are the different classes of Virginia contractor license?
Virginia Class A Contractor License:
Virginia Class B Contractor License:
Virginia Class C Contractor License:
3. What is the DPOR VA Contractor Licensing requirement process?
There are six basic steps. For a full understanding of the six steps, along with the necessary documents, go to our "How to get a Contractors License in Virginia" page. Here's an abridged outline:
Step 1. Take Mandatory 8-Hour Pre-License Course
Step 2: Decide on which Class of Virginia Contractor License based on several key areas
Step 3. Pass the Business Exam
Step 4. Decide on Your VA DPOR Contractor License Specialty
Step 5. Submit Complete Contractor License Application
Step 6. Once Pre-Approved for Your Specialty Exam, Pass the Exam
4. What are the penalties of performing construction-related activities without being properly licensed in Virginia?
According to Virginia Law Code § 54.1-1115, Prohibited acts: "Any person who undertakes work without (i) any valid Virginia contractor's license or certificate when a license or certificate is required . or (ii) the proper class of license . shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 per day for each day that such person is in violation, in addition to the authorized penalties for the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
5. How many Virginia Contracting License specialties are there?
There are more than 40 Virginia contractor license specialties. Many are very specific in the types of projects permitted. There are larger, "umbrella" specialties that include a number of smaller specialties. Some of the larger specialties are Commercial Improvement Contracting (CIC) and the larger Commercial Building Contracting (CBC), Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) and the larger Residential Building Contracting (RBC) and Highway Heavy (H/H).
6. Do I have to start with a Class C VA Contractor License and then upgrade?
No. We encourage you to get the highest/largest class of license that you qualify for – the first time. Why? As long you maintain your license active and don’t make any changes to your license, you are generally ‘grandfathered in’ to any new regulation changes through DPOR. However, if you allow your license to expire, or make any changes to your contractor license, you are subject to all of the new guidelines that have been established.
7. Are continuing education credits required to maintain a contractors license in Virginia?
For the general contracting specialties in Virginia: No. However, for some of the specialties, and the trade-related specialties: Yes. Ultimately, we encourage you to contact DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) to confirm whether your specialty requires continuing education or not.
8. How long does VA contractor license last?
It must be renewed every two years.
9. What does a Virginia contractor's license cost?
10. What is the difference between Virginia commercial contracting and Virginia residential contracting?
The two strictly commercial specialties are Commercial Improvement Contracting (CIC) and the larger Commercial Building Contracting (CBC). These specialties allow commercial projects only. The two strictly residential specialties are Home Improvement Contracting (HIC) and the larger Residential Building Contracting (RBC). These specialties allow residential projects only.
11. I need a Class A or Class B license, but I'm having difficulty proving a net worth of $45,000 or $15,000. What can I do?
Starting July 1, 2017, licensing candidates can submit a $50,000 surety bond in place of having to provide financial statements or prove a net worth of $45,000 or $15,000.
12. Am I required to have a contractor license in the Commonwealth of Virginia?
It depends. But . probably. As previously mentioned, there are now more than 40 Virginia contracting license specialties (i.e.- Finish Carpentry, Flooring and Floor Covering, Drywall, Painting and Wallcovering, and Tile, Marble, Ceramic and Terrazzo.) If you do construction-related work independently, you are probably required to be licensed. If you have questions regarding which specialty you need based upon the projects that you perform, we encourage you to contact the licensing department of DPOR directly at 804.367.8511.
13. Is the Virginia DPOR, Board of Contractors' contracting license all that I need to perform contracting projects throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia?
Please note that although a Virginia contractor license may be granted to your business, the business must also comply with local licensing requirements set forth by the localities (cities, towns, and counties) in which your business plans to do work. This may include, but is not limited to a business license, bonding, inspection and permitting requirements.