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Virginia Contractor

Virginia contractor license guide

Virginia contractor licensing is handled by DPOR's Board for Contractors. Contractors should confirm the proper license class, specialty designation, pre-license education, application, and local requirements before bidding or advertising work.

The short answer

Virginia contractor licensing runs through the DPOR Board for Contractors. New contractor license applicants should review the official class, specialty, pre-license education, exam, and local-requirement instructions before applying.

Who this applies to

  • Businesses contracting for regulated construction work in Virginia should confirm the proper DPOR contractor license class and specialty.
  • People performing individual trades may also need to review Virginia tradesman licensing rules separate from the contractor business license.
  • Contractors should check city, town, and county requirements in addition to DPOR requirements.

Requirement snapshot

Authority Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors
License classes The official DPOR contractor application covers contractor licensing by class and specialty designation.
Pre-license education DPOR states that pre-license education is required for all new contractor licenses and is separate from Class A and Class B examinations.
Local requirements The DPOR application directs applicants to contact local Commissioners of the Revenue and Building Officials for local requirements.
License lookup DPOR provides an online license lookup for professional and occupational licenses.
Application materials Applicants should use the official DPOR Board for Contractors page and current contractor license application package.

Practical application path

  1. Review the DPOR Board for Contractors page before choosing a class or specialty.
  2. Confirm whether the business needs Class A, Class B, or another contractor license path.
  3. Complete required pre-license education before submitting a new contractor license application.
  4. Prepare the official application and any class, specialty, qualified individual, or exam materials listed by DPOR.
  5. Check local business license, permit, and building-official requirements before bidding jobs.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Do not assume a Virginia contractor license covers every specialty or local requirement.
  • Individual tradesman licensing and contractor business licensing are related but not identical.
  • Use the current DPOR application, not old saved PDFs, because class, fee, and form requirements can change.

Official source links

Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors Virginia contractor license application https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/boards/Contractors/A501-27LIC.pdf Virginia DPOR license lookup https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup

FAQ

Who handles contractor licenses in Virginia?

Virginia contractor licensing is handled by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation's Board for Contractors.

Does Virginia pre-license education replace the contractor exam?

No. DPOR says pre-license education is required for all new contractor licenses and is separate from Class A and Class B examinations.