Virginia Contractor License Requirements: 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Virginia requires a contractor license for any project of $1,000 or more. DPOR issues three license classes - A, B, and C - scaled by project and annual volume limits. Virginia requires an 8-hour pre-license course for all new applicants but uniquely does not require continuing education for renewal. DPOR updated contractor regulations in September 2025. This guide covers every Virginia requirement in effect for 2026.
License Classes
Class C is the entry tier: projects up to $10,000 per contract and $150,000 max annually. No bond required. Application fee: $160.
Class B covers $10,000-$120,000 per contract and up to $750,000 annually. Requires $15,000 net worth or $15,000 bond in lieu of net worth. Application fee: $230.
Class A is unlimited. Requires $45,000 net worth or $45,000 bond in lieu. Application fee: $360. The bond is an alternative to net worth - not a mandatory flat requirement.
8-Hour Pre-License Course Required
All new applicants must complete an 8-hour DPOR-approved pre-license education course before submitting the application. The course covers Virginia contractor law, licensing requirements, and business practices. Approved providers are listed at dpor.virginia.gov. Applies to all classes.
Exam and Experience
Two years of verifiable experience in the classification category is required. Business and Law exam (Virginia-specific, PSI) required. NASCLA accepted for the technical exam component - the Virginia B&L exam is still required. Fingerprinting and background check required for all individual applicants.
No CE for Renewal
Virginia does not require continuing education for contractor license renewal - unusual among licensed states. Licenses renew biennially with updated business information and fee payment. September 2025 regulation update changed some classification definitions - verify your classification at dpor.virginia.gov.
Insurance Requirements
For current Virginia insurance requirements see our Virginia contractor insurance requirements guide.
Pro tip: Virginia’s September 2025 regulation update reorganized some specialty contractor classifications. If you hold a Virginia specialty contractor license, verify your classification is still valid under the updated definitions at dpor.virginia.gov before your next permit application.
Bottom Line and Next Steps
Virginia’s Class C has no bond requirement and a low application fee, a genuine entry point for small contractors. Complete the 8-hour pre-license course before submitting. Verify current classification definitions following the September 2025 regulatory update at dpor.virginia.gov.
Take the Next Step
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Contractor Insurance Requirements by State - Compare coverage mandates across all 50 states
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Insurance Costs by State - See what GL and WC actually costs in your state
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Proof of Insurance Guide - What to have ready when clients or GCs ask
Insurance requirements, license requirements, and market premiums are subject to change alongside state legislation and carrier appetite. While we audit and update this data regularly to ensure reliability (Last Updated: May 2026), these figures are for research and planning purposes only. Always verify specific coverage mandates with your local licensing board or a licensed broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Virginia’s contractor license classes?
Class C (up to $10K/contract, $150K/year, no bond), Class B ($10K–$120K/contract, $750K/year), and Class A (unlimited). Each has different financial requirements and application fees.
Does Virginia require CE for contractor license renewal?
No, Virginia does not require continuing education for renewal. Licenses renew biennially with updated information and fee only.
Does Virginia accept NASCLA?
Yes, for the technical exam component. The Virginia Business and Law exam is still required regardless of NASCLA score.