50-State Construction Licensing Compliance Guide
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Overview
State Information

Virginia Construction Licensing

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Licenses are typically required for individuals and businesses that provide construction industry services. This guide contains information about construction industry licensing in Virginia.

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Company Licenses

Virginia Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Virginia Asbestos Contractor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$110

Registration Renewal

Form:

Contractor - Asbestos & Lead License Renewal Form -3306

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$70

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Virginia Class A Contractor Firm License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Bond Requirements:

Contractors have the option of filing a $50,000 surety bond, submitting a financial statement form, or submitting financial statements reviewed or audited by a CPA.

Notes:

Any contractor who undertakes a project the total value of which is $120,000 or more is required to have a Class A license.

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Firm License Application

Agency Fee:

$385

How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File entity formation documents with Virginia State Corporation Commission.
  2. Appoint a Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management complete a board-approved pre-license education course approved by the Board of Contractors.
  3. Appoint a Qualified Individual that meet the requirements listed on page 3 of the application. 
  4. Appoint a Designated Employee who o has successfully completed the appropriate business examinations and is either a full-time employee (not a 1099 employee) of the business or a member of Responsible Management. 

Foreign Applicants:

  1. File foreign qualification documents with Virginia State Corporation Commission.
  2. Appoint a Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management to complete a board-approved pre-license education course approved by the Board of Contractors.
  3. Appoint a Qualified Individual that meet the requirements listed on page 3 of the application. 
  4. Appoint a Designated Employee who o has successfully completed the appropriate business examinations and is either a full-time employee (not a 1099 employee) of the business or a member of Responsible Management. 
Required Attachments:
  • Financial Documentation: Class A & Class B Applicants must provide proof of financial responsibility. Class A applicants must document $45,000 in net worth/equity. Class B applicants must document $15,000 in net worth/equity. Applicants who do not meet these requirements may qualify for a Class C license.
  • If an assumed/fictitious name is to be used, a copy of the certificate filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) pursuant to §59.1-69 of the Code of Virginia must be attached.
  • Must attach a legible copy of a government-issued photo ID for all members of Responsible Management.
  • Must attach a legible copy of a government-issued photo ID for the Designated Employee (if applicable). 
  •  An Experience Verification Form must be submitted for each Qualified Individual who is requesting a designation that requires pre-approval for an examination. 
  • If the Designated Employee is not a member of Responsible Management, attach a legible copy of a government-issued photo ID and provide full-time employment verification (I9, W2, or other similar documentation).
  • Attached documentation verifying business FEIN number
  • All disclosure forms and supporting documentation
  • Disciplinary Action Reporting Form (if applicable) 
  • Criminal Conviction Reporting Form (if applicable)
  • Adverse Financial History Reporting Form (if applicable)

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$200 license fee + $30 recovery fund fee

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Amendment

Form:

Change in Qualified Individual and/or Designated Employee Application

Agency Fee:

$110 for a change in designated employee or qualified individual or $220 for changes to both.

Due:

A change of qualified individual must be reported within 45 days of the change, and a change of designated employee must be reported within 120 days of the change.

Law:

18 VAC 50-22-220

Required Attachments:
  • If the Designated Employee/Qualified Individual is not a member of Responsible Management, attach a legible copy of a government issued photo ID and provide fulltime employment verification (I9, W2, or other similar documentation)
  • An Experience Verification Form must be submitted for each Qualified Individual who is requesting a designation that requires pre-approval for an examination.

Virginia Class B Contractor Firm License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Bond Requirements:

Contractors have the option of filing a $50,000 surety bond, submitting a financial statement form, or submitting financial statements reviewed or audited by a CPA.

Notes:

Any contractor who undertakes a project the total value which is between $10,000 and $120,000 is required to have a Class B license.

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Firm License Application

Agency Fee:

$370

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$175 license fee + $30 recovery fund fee

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Virginia Class C Contractor Firm License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Contractors
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Bond Requirements:

There is no bond requirement for Class C licenses.

Notes:

Any contractor who undertakes a project the total value which is between $1,000 and $10,000 is required to have a Class C license.

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Firm License Application

Agency Fee:

$235

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150 license fee + $30 recovery fund fee

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Virginia Lead Abatement Contractor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Virginia Lead Abatement Contractor License

Agency Fee:

$110

Registration Renewal

Form:

Virginia Lead Abatement Contractor License Renewal

Agency Fee:

$30

Due:

Annually by the end of the month the license was issued in.

Virginia Residential Business Energy Analyst (RBEA) Firm License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Contractors

Initial Registration

Form:

RBEA FIRM License Application

Agency Fee:

$210

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150 license fee + $30 recovery fund fee

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

Virginia Temporary Contractor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Contractors
Eligible Entity Types:
  • Corporatins
  • General Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Companies 
  • Limited Partnerships 
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:

State law requires every applicant, who is not a sole proprietor or solely owned LLC, to provide a federal employer identification number. Sole proprietor or solely owned LLC who do not have a FEIN must provide a social security number or a control number issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Financial Requirements:
  • Class A & Class B Applicants must provide proof of financial responsibility.
  • Class A applicants must document $45,000 in net worth/equity.
  • Class B applicants must document $15,000 in net worth/equity.
  • Applicants who do not meet these requirements may qualify for a Class C license.
Notes:
  • A temporary license is only valid for 45 days and cannot be renewed, reinstated or reapplied for.
  • This license will allow firms to have 45 days to complete all licence requirements for a two year contractor license that will be renewable.
  • The application is for contractors with a current out of state contractor license.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No
Qualifying Individual Requirements:
  • All business entities applying for a license are required to have a Designated Employee or a member of Responsible Management complete a board. approved pre-license education course approved by the Board of Contractors.
    • Completion of this course cannot be used to substitute the business exams taken by the Designated Employee or Qualified Individual.
  • Must attach a legible copy of a government issued photo ID for all members of Responsible Management.
  • Each business will select a classification/specialty designation for which they are applying for and provide one Qualified Individual for each designation in section A or B on the application.
    • Must be either a fulltime employee of the business (working a minimum of 30 hours or more with the business) or who is listed as a
      member of Responsible Management.
    • Must have the minimum years of experience in the classification or specialty they are applying - 2 years for a Class C License, 3 years for a Class B License and 5 years for a Class A License.
      • An Experience Verification Form must be submitted for each Qualified Individual who is requesting a designation that requires pre-approval for an examination.
    • Have successfully completed the appropriate prerequisite for the classification or specialty designation selected below. The prerequisite for each is listed in the box below.
  • All Class A & Class B license applicants must declare a Designated Employee who has successfully completed the appropriate business examinations and is either a full-time employee (not a 1099 employee) of the business or a member of Responsible Management.
    • Class A - Advanced, General, and Virginia exam; and Class B - General and Virginia exam.
    • If the Designated Employee is not a member of Responsible Management, attach a legible copy of a government issued photo ID and provide fulltime employment verification (I9, W2, or other similar documentation).
Requirement Notes:

A letter of good standing from the State Agency/Regulatory Board that issued your contractor license.


Please note that letters from the State Corporation Commission, Secretary of the State or locality issued
business licenses cannot be used towards a temporary license application.
If your firm cannot provide a letter of good standing from a state agency equivalent to the Board for Contractors.



your application will be determined incomplete and your application fee will be valid for one year from the received date.


All businesses in Virginia must be registered with the SCC (including all out-of-state businesses). Firms/Businesses shall be organized as business entity under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or otherwise authorized to transact business in Virginia. No person, partnership, limited liability company or corporation shall conduct or transact business in this Commonwealth under any assumed or fictitious name unless register with the Virginia SCC.

Initial Registration

Form:

Temporary Contractor License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Determined by Class. Class A $435, Class B $420, Class C $285

Notes:
  • A temporary license is only valid for 45 days and cannot be renewed, reinstated or reapplied for.
  • This license will allow firms to have 45 days to complete all licence requirements for a two year contractor license that will be renewable.
  • This application is for contractors with a current out of state contractor license.
Before you Apply:
  • To use this application you must provide the following:
    • A letter of good standing from the State Agency/Regulatory Board that issued your contractor license.
      • Please note that letters from the State Corporation Commission, Secretary of the State or locality issued business licenses cannot be used towards a temporary license application.
      • If your firm cannot provide a letter of good standing from a state agency equivalent to the Board for Contractors your application will be determined incomplete and your application fee will be valid for one year from the received date.
  • All businesses in Virginia must be registered with the SCC (including all out-of-state businesses). Firms/Businesses shall be organized as business entity under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or otherwise authorized to transact business in Virginia. No person, partnership, limited liability company or corporation shall conduct or transact business in this Commonwealth under any assumed or fictitious name unless register with the Virginia SCC.
Required Attachments:
  • Certifications of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing, prepared by the state board or regulatory body must include:
    • 1) thelicense/certification/registration number;
    • 2) the initial date of licensure;
    • 3) the expiration date of the license or renewal fee;
    • 4) the means of obtaining licensure (i.e. exam, reciprocity, etc.);and
    • 5) all closed disciplinary actions resulting in a violation or undetermined finding.
  • If an assumed/fictitious name is to be used, a copy of the certificate filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) pursuant to §59.1-69 of the Code of Virginia must be attached to this application.
  • FEIN Number
  • Must attach a legible copy of a government issued photo ID for all
    members of Responsible Management.
  • An Experience Verification Form must be submitted for each Qualified Individual who is requesting a designation that requires pre-approval for an examination.
  • Complete an Experience Verification Form for each Qualified Individual who is seeking pre-approval for a designation that requires an examination (only).
    • If applying for the MSC specialty, provide the Board for Contractors with all required documentation to support your request for this designation.
  • If the Designated Employee is not a member of Responsible Management, attach a legible copy of a government issued photo ID and provide fulltime employment verification (I9, W2, or other similar documentation).
  • Disciplinary Action Reporting Form (if applicable) 
  • Criminal Conviction Reporting Form (if applicable) 
  • Adverse Financial History Reporting Form (if applicable) 

Renewal Not Required

Not required



This license is only valid for 45 days and can not be renewed. 

Local Construction and Contracting Company Licenses

Leesburg Business, Professional, & Occupational License (BPOL) - Out of Town Construction Contractor

Agency:Town of Leesburg Department of Finance and Administrative Services (VA)

Initial Registration

Form:

Contractor Application

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on gross receipts. See the instruction portion of the application for details.

Required Attachments:
  • Proof of workers' compensation insurance

Registration Renewal

Form:

BPOL Renewal

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on gross receipts. See the instruction portion of the application for details.

Due:

Licenses expire at the end of each calendar year and must be renewed by March 1.

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of entity's federal tax return or other supporting documentation verifying the gross receipts reported
  • Proof of workers' compensation insurance

Salem Outside Contractors License

Agency:City of Salem Commissioner of the Revenue (VA)
Notes:

Contractors who do not maintain a physical business location in the city but will be performing work in Salem are considered out of area contractors. All out of area contractors are required to obtain a business license before beginning operations.

Initial Registration

Form:

Outside Contractor License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on gross receipts in Salem:

  • $0 if gross receipts are less than $25,000
  • $50 if gross receipts are at least $25,000 and less than $50,000
  • .16 per $100 for gross receipts of $50,000 or more

Registration Renewal

Form:

Outside Contractors License Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on gross receipts in Salem:

  • $0 if gross receipts are less than $25,000
  • $50 if gross receipts are at least $25,000 and less than $50,000
  • .16 per $100 for gross receipts of $50,000 or more
Due:

Annually by March 1.

Individual Licenses

Virginia Individual Construction and Contracting Licenses

Virginia Asbestos Inspector License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Inspector License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Asbestos License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Asbestos Management Planner License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Management Planner License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Asbestos License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Asbestos Project Designer License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Project Designer License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Asbestos License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Asbestos Project Monitor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Project Monitor License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Asbestos License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Asbestos Supervisor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Supervisor License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Asbestos License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Asbestos Worker License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Asbestos Worker License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Asbestos License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Certified Elevator Mechanic License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Tradesmen Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Elevator Mechanic Application

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

A renewal card will be mailed to licensee.

Virginia Home Inspector License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Home Inspector License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40 for standard home inspector licenses and $80 for inspectors with the NRS specialty designation.

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

Virginia Journeyman Certified Water Well System Provider License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Tradesmen Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Certified Water Well System Provider Application

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

The board will mail a renewal notice to the regulant outlining procedures for renewal.

Virginia Lead Abatement Inspector License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Lead Abatement Inspector License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Lead License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Lead Abatement Project Designer License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Lead Abatement Project Designer License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Lead License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Lead Abatement Risk Assessor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Lead Abatement Risk Assessor License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Lead License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Lead Abatement Supervisor License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Lead Abatement Supervisor License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Lead License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Lead Abatement Worker License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Asbestos, Lead and Home Inspectors

Initial Registration

Form:

Lead Abatement Worker License Application

Agency Fee:

$80

Registration Renewal

Form:

Individual - Lead License Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

Prior to the expiration date shown on the individual's current license, the individual desiring to renew that license shall provide evidence of meeting the annual refresher training requirement for license renewal

Virginia Master Certified Water Well System Provider License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Tradesmen Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Certified Water Well System Provider Application

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

The board will mail a renewal notice to the regulant outlining procedures for renewal.

Virginia Residential Business Energy Analyst (RBEA) Individual License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Contractors

Initial Registration

Form:

RBEA IDIVIDUAL License Application

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the registration anniversary month.

Notes:

Renewal forms are sent in the mail.

Virginia Tradesman License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Tradesmen Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Tradesman License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$130 regardless of the number of designations selected.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$90 regardless of the number of designations on the license.

Due:

Triennially by the end of the month of issuance. 

Law:

18 VAC 50-30-120

Virginia Trainee Certified Water Well System Provider License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Tradesmen Program

Initial Registration

Form:

Certified Water Well System Provider Application

Agency Fee:

$130

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Notes:

The board will mail a renewal notice to the regulant outlining procedures for renewal.

Explore Licensing in Other States

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Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Associated General Contractors of America
Professional association providing advocacy and organization for construction firms and workers.

National Association of Home Builders
National association for the promotion of the housing industry.

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies
National organization that represents and promotes the interests of state level contractor licensing agencies.

Revised August 29, 2023. Complete data last reviewed April 27, 2018.
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