Virginia requires all contractors to have a Contractors License before they begin working in the state. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Virginia State Contractors License.
As of July 1, 2017, applicants now have the option to purchase a Virginia Contractor License Surety Bond instead of providing a financial statement with their application.
Want to see how much a Contractor License Bond would cost you? Get a FREE Contractor License Bond Quote.
How to get a Virginia Contractors License
Step #1: Register your business with the state
Before applying for your application, make sure to visit http://www.bos.virginia.gov/ to register your business with the state of Virginia.
Step #2: Decide which license you need
You will need to get a different class of contractor license depending on the size of projects that you will be performing:
- Class A – For total value of a single project is over $120,000. OR A total value of $750,000+ for all projects within a 12 month period.
- Class B – For total value of a single project from $10,000 to $120,000. OR A total value of $150,000 to $750,000 for all projects within a 12 month period.
- Class C – For total value of a single project from $1,000 to $10,000. OR A total value of $150,000 or less for all projects within a 12 month period.
Step #3: Take 8-hour pre-license course
View information on the course.
Step #4: Take Exam
Step #5: Complete Virginia Contractor License Application
Download the Virginia Contractor License Application.
Make sure you fill out the entire application completely. If there are missing items in the application it will slow down the entire process.
If you have questions about the application call the Board of Contractors licensing staff at (804) 367-8511
Step #6: Obtain a VA Contractor License Bond or submit financial statement
Virginia requires that all Class A and Class B contractor license applicants provide financial statements or annual report to act as evidence of the contractor’s net worth. Class A applicants need to prove a worth of $45,000 while Class B applicants need to prove a worth of $15,000.
As of July 1, 2017, you have the option to purchase a Virginia Contractor License Surety Bond instead of providing a financial statement.
A Virginia Contractor Bond is a type of surety bond that protects your customers in the event that you fail to complete your work. If you fail to complete your work, someone can make a claim against your bond.
Cost of the Bond:
Your Virginia Contractor Bond will need to be in the amount of $50,000. Fortunately, that is not the amount you will pay for your bond, you will only have to pay a small percentage of the full bond amount.
The price you pay is based off your personal credit score.
To see what you’d pay for a bond, get a free quote below:
Get a Virginia Contractor Bond quote
Step #7: Pay application fee
The amount of your application fee will depend on your license type:
- Class A : $385
- Class B : $370
- Class C : $235
Step #8: Submit your application packet
When your application packet is complete, mail it to:
Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485
Additional questions
If you have any additional questions about the licensing process, contact the Virginia Board of Contractors Licensing Section at 804-367-8511.
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