General Contractor License Requirements in Virginia
| Licensing Authority | Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors (DPOR) |
| License Type | Class A / B / C - Building Contractor (BLD) |
| Experience Required | Class A: 5 years verified experience. Class B: 3 years. Class C: 2 years. Experience must be verified by individuals who observed the applicant's work. All applicants must complete 8 hours of DPOR-approved pre-license education. |
| Education Substitute | Relevant construction management degree or technical education may substitute for a portion of experience — evaluated case by case by DPOR |
| Exam Required | Yes — Class A Business & Law (Parts 1-3) + Class B Business & Law (Parts 1-2 only) + Class C Business & Law |
| Bond Required | Yes — $50,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | ~30 days (4 weeks) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $360 |
| Exam Fee | $85 |
| Est. Initial Total | $445 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Class B application | $345 |
| Class C application | $210 |
| Pre-license education (approx.) | $200 |
Renewal: $270 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
Class A Business & Law (Parts 1-3)
Class B Business & Law (Parts 1-2 only)
Class C Business & Law
Exam provider: PSI
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 →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→License Tiers
Class A
5 years verified experience; net worth $45,000+; no project limit
Exam: Required
Class B
3 years verified experience; net worth $15,000+; projects under $120,000 / annual under $750,000
Exam: Required
Class C
2 years verified experience; no net worth minimum; projects under $10,000 / annual under $150,000
Exam: Required
Notes
- 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+
- Class C: single project under $10,000; annual revenue under $150,000; no net worth requirement
- 8 hours pre-license education required for all classes
Local requirements on top of your Virginia license
The DPOR general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in Virginia. On top of it, most Virginia cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in Virginia as a general contractor — 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.
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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→
Register locally.
Most Virginia cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
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 general contractor 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→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $270.
Other licenses in Virginia
- Electrician license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- Plumber license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- HVAC Technician license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · DPOR
- Roofing Contractor license in Virginia
Statewide license required · $445 in initial government fees · DPOR
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires a statewide general contractor license through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Virginia?
The estimated initial cost is $445, including application, exam, and license fees. A $50,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a general contractor license in Virginia?
Class A: 5 years verified experience. Class B: 3 years. Class C: 2 years. Experience must be verified by individuals who observed the applicant's work. All applicants must complete 8 hours of DPOR-approved pre-license education. Education substitute: Relevant construction management degree or technical education may substitute for a portion of experience — evaluated case by case by DPOR
What exams are required for a general contractor license in Virginia?
You must pass the Class A Business & Law (Parts 1-3) and Class B Business & Law (Parts 1-2 only) and Class C Business & Law exams. A passing score of Part 1 (VA questions): 75%; Part 2 (General): 70%; Part 3 (Advanced, Class A only): 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a general contractor license in Virginia?
Yes, a $50,000 surety bond is required. 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 long does it take to get a general contractor license in Virginia?
Processing time is typically ~30 days (4 weeks) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for general contractors in Virginia?
No, Virginia does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Virginia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: DPOR