Contractor License Requirements in Virginia

Virginia requires contractor licensing for construction work on projects exceeding $1,000. The licensing process is overseen by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Virginia uses a three-tier licensing system based on project value. Class A contractors can handle any project value, Class B up to $120,000, and Class C up to $10,000. Both business and trade exams are required for Class A. Tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) need separate licenses. Virginia is considered one of the most comprehensive licensing states.

Important

Never hire a contractor who cannot provide a valid license number. A legitimate contractor will have no hesitation sharing their license credentials for you to verify independently. If a contractor refuses, discourages you from checking, or makes excuses, treat that as a serious red flag.

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)

Search by: License number, Name, Business name, City

Follow these steps to verify a contractor's license in Virginia:

1. 1
   Visit the DPOR license lookupGo to dpor.virginia.gov and use the license lookup tool. Virginia has one of the most comprehensive contractor licensing systems in the country with three tiers based on project value.
2. 2
   Search by license number or nameEnter the contractor's license number, individual name, or business name. Select "Contractors" as the board type for the most targeted search results.
3. 3
   Verify the license class and specialtyVirginia uses three classes: Class A (over $120,000), Class B ($10,000-$120,000), and Class C ($1,000-$10,000). Each class has specific specialty designations. Make sure the contractor's license class and specialty cover your project.
4. 4
   Check the license status and expirationConfirm the license is active and not expired. Virginia requires license renewal every two years. Check that the qualifying individual (the person responsible for the license) is still associated with the business.
5. 5
   Review disciplinary actionsThe DPOR maintains records of disciplinary actions, consent orders, and violations. Click through to any enforcement history. Virginia takes contractor violations seriously, with penalties including fines and license revocation.

What to Look for in Verification Results

• License class (A, B, or C) must cover your project's estimated value
• Specialty designation must match the type of work being performed
• License must be active and not expired, suspended, or revoked
• Qualifying individual must still be associated with the licensed business
• Check for any disciplinary actions or consent orders
• For trade work, verify the appropriate tradesman license in addition to any contractor license

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Virginia carries significant risks for both the homeowner and the contractor:

• No consumer protections: State recovery funds and guaranty programs typically only cover work performed by licensed contractors.
• Insurance issues: Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to work done by an unlicensed contractor.
• Permit problems: Building permits often require a valid contractor license. Work done without permits can create issues when selling your property.
• Quality concerns: Licensed contractors have demonstrated minimum competency through exams, experience requirements, or both.
• Legal liability: Homeowners may bear greater legal responsibility for injuries or property damage caused during unlicensed work.
• Penalties: In Virginia, unlicensed contracting can result in fines and criminal penalties for the contractor, and the homeowner may lose the ability to enforce the contract.

Virginia does not currently have reciprocal contractor licensing agreements with other states. Contractors licensed in other states must apply for a new Virginia license through the standard application process. Some states may credit out-of-state experience toward licensing requirements -- contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for details.