Virginia · DPOR
Virginia contractor license lookup.
Virginia licenses contractors by class, set by the size of the job. This guide shows the DPOR lookup and works out which class a contract needs under the Code of Virginia.
Short answer: open DPOR's License Lookup to check status and past disciplinary actions. Then compare the license class to the job: Class C starts over $1,000, Class B at $30,000 and Class A at $150,000.
Which license class does the job need?
Result and official links
How the DPOR lookup works
DPOR's consumer guide says to deal only with licensed contractors, and to verify license status and check for past disciplinary actions using License Lookup. The Board for Contractors page covers Class A, B and C contractor business licenses and the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund, which provides relief to eligible consumers who suffer losses through the improper and dishonest conduct of a licensed contractor (a claim does not guarantee payment).
The class thresholds
Section 54.1-1100 defines three classes. Class A: a single contract or project of $150,000 or more, or $1 million or more of work in any 12 months. Class B: a single contract of $30,000 or more but under $150,000, or $250,000 or more but under $1 million in 12 months. Class C: a single contract over $1,000 but under $30,000, or work totaling under $250,000 in 12 months. The calculator above applies those rules and takes the higher class when either test is met. It is a guide; the Board decides license questions.
The same section says the Board requires a master tradesman license as a condition of licensure for electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors.
Contracts, deposits and bonds
DPOR says licensed contractors are required by law to provide a written contract for residential work, signed by both parties. It suggests an initial deposit of no more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, except for custom-made or special-order items, where it suggests no more than 30% of the contract value. The pages reviewed do not state a flat bond amount for Virginia contractors.
Reciprocity
The DPOR pages reviewed do not describe general reciprocity for contractor licenses. DPOR does describe a temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state, under section 54.1-119, and expedited processing for military spouses assigned to a Virginia duty station.
Sources
- DPOR: License Lookup (retrieved October 2026)
- DPOR: Board for Contractors (retrieved October 2026)
- DPOR: Consumer Guide, Hiring a Contractor (retrieved October 2026)
- Code of Virginia § 54.1-1100 (retrieved October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Virginia contractor license?
Use DPOR's License Lookup to verify status and see past disciplinary actions.
What are Virginia Class A, B and C contractor licenses?
They are set by contract size: Class C over $1,000 up to under $30,000, Class B $30,000 up to under $150,000, Class A $150,000 or more, with annual totals as an alternative test.
Is a deposit limit set by law?
DPOR suggests no more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. That is guidance in its consumer guide, not a rule this page can cite as a statute.
Does this page confirm a license?
No. It links to DPOR and applies the statute's thresholds. Only DPOR's lookup shows a license status.
A guide, not a verification
TNAADO is not a licensing board and this page does not check anyone's license or imply official verification. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere. Use the official links to confirm status, and check the board's site for current rules.