How to Verify a Contractor License in Virginia

TL;DR — Verifying a Contractor License in Virginia in 60 Seconds

Virginia requires contractor licensing through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for projects over $1,000. The state issues three classes: Class A (over $120,000), Class B ($10,000-$120,000), and Class C ($1,000-$10,000). To verify any Virginia contractor, search on LicensedCheck.com or the DPOR license lookup.

Virginia also requires trade-specific designations within each class for specialties like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work.

Best Contractor License Verification Tools for Virginia

LicensedCheck.com will soon include Virginia license data. Best for: homeowners in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and across Virginia.

The DPOR license lookup at dpor.virginia.gov is the official source. It provides license class, specialty designations, status, and disciplinary history. DPOR also licenses tradesmen (journeyman and master levels) for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and gas fitting work.

Which Virginia Trades Require State Licenses

Virginia requires contractor licensing for any construction, removal, repair, or improvement project valued over $1,000. Class A handles projects over $120,000, Class B covers $10,000-$120,000, and Class C covers $1,000-$10,000. Each class requires specific specialty designations matching the type of work.

Virginia also licenses individual tradesmen at journeyman and master levels for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas fitting, and other trades. These are separate from the contractor license and are required for anyone performing hands-on trade work.

The $1,000 threshold is one of the lowest in the country, meaning nearly all professional construction work in Virginia requires state licensing.

Protecting Yourself When Hiring in Virginia

Before hiring in Virginia, verify the contractor's license class covers your project value and that they hold the correct specialty designation for your type of work. A Class B contractor cannot take on projects over $120,000, and a contractor without an electrical specialty designation cannot perform electrical work.

Virginia requires contractors to carry general liability insurance and a surety bond. Request proof of both. Get a written contract with the scope of work, price, payment schedule, and the contractor's license number and class.

Watch for these red flags: a contractor without a DPOR license for work over $1,000, a license class too low for your project value, missing specialty designations for the type of work, and anyone who demands full payment upfront. Verify first at LicensedCheck, then hire.