Contractor Licensing in Virginia: Which Trades Need a License
Yes, Virginia requires a statewide license for 5 of 5 contractor trades, issued by 2 separate agencies. Initial costs run $175 to $445.
Virginia requires statewide contractor licensing through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors. Virginia uses a tiered system based on project value: Class A (unlimited), Class B (up to $120,000 per project / $750,000 annual), and Class C (up to $10,000 per project / $150,000 annual). Individual tradesmen (electricians, plumbers, HVAC) are licensed separately under the Tradesmen Program with journeyman and master tiers. All contractor licenses are issued to business entities, not individuals.
General Contractor
RequiredOversees and manages construction projects, coordinating subcontractors, materials, and timelines for residential and commercial builds.
View full requirements →Electrician
RequiredInstalls, maintains, and repairs electrical wiring, systems, and fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
View full requirements →Plumber
RequiredInstalls and repairs water supply lines, drainage systems, fixtures, and appliances in buildings and other structures.
View full requirements →HVAC Technician
RequiredInstalls, services, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
View full requirements →Roofing Contractor
RequiredInstalls, repairs, and replaces roofing systems on residential and commercial structures.
View full requirements →Reciprocity Agreements
Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams. Full Virginia reciprocity guide: which states, what is waived, what it costs →
Virginia Licensing Overview
Virginia requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors (DPOR), Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program (DPOR). Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $175 to $445, including application fees, exams, license issuance, fingerprinting, and any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Virginia also participates in reciprocity agreements with 7 other states, which can streamline the process for out-of-state contractors.
Virginia Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | $360 | $85 | — | $50,000 | $445 |
| Electrician | $75 | $100 | — | — | $175 |
| Plumber | $75 | $100 | — | — | $175 |
| HVAC Technician | $75 | $100 | — | — | $175 |
| Roofing Contractor | $360 | $85 | — | $50,000 | $445 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Set up the business before you apply in Virginia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in Virginia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
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Form an LLC with Northwest→Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
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Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Key Facts About Virginia Contractor Licensing
- Virginia does not require general liability insurance for contractors. Workers compensation is required when regularly employing more than 2 employees (including part-time, seasonal, and subcontractors).
- Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 7 states, which may allow licensed contractors to skip certain exams.
- License is issued to the business entity, not an individual — a Designated Employee or Responsible Management member must qualify
- Class A: no project or annual revenue limit; net worth $45,000+
- Class B: single project under $120,000; annual revenue under $750,000; net worth $15,000+
You're licensed in Virginia — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors issues the Class A / B / C - Building Contractor (BLD); the business that invoices Virginia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
Virginia requires a $50,000 surety bond. Class A and B: $50,000 surety bond may be posted in lieu of meeting net worth requirement. Class C: bond not required. Annual premium typically $350-$2,500 depending on credit. How contractor bonds work→
Carry general liability insurance.
Virginia does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Virginia does not require general liability insurance for contractors. Workers compensation is required when regularly employing more than 2 employees (including part-time, seasonal, and subcontractors). Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck home-service businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia require a contractor license?
Yes, Virginia requires statewide licensing for 5 of 5 trades: general contractor, electrician, plumber, hvac technician, roofing contractor.
How much does a contractor license cost in Virginia?
Initial licensing costs range from $175 to $445 depending on the trade, including application, exam, license and fingerprinting fees, plus any other fees the state requires to obtain the license.
Does Virginia have license reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Virginia has reciprocity agreements with 7 states. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Virginia?
Virginia does not require general liability insurance for contractors. Workers compensation is required when regularly employing more than 2 employees (including part-time, seasonal, and subcontractors).
Official Virginia Licensing Resources
- Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors (DPOR) — for general contractor, roofing contractor
- Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Tradesmen Program (DPOR) — for electrician, plumber, hvac technician