• Board for Contractors

    The Board for Contractors licenses businesses engaged in the construction, removal, repair, or improvement of facilities on property owned by others. Contractor licenses consist of two parts: the class of license (A, B, or C), which determines the monetary value of contracts/projects that may be performed, and the classification/specialty, which determines what type of work is allowed.

    The Board also licenses individuals and firms engaged in residential building energy analysis, which involves evaluation of energy consumption and recommendations to improve energy efficiency.

    And the Board regulates individual tradesmen. Visit the Tradesmen Program webpage. 

    DPOR has partnered with online credentialing service Merit to issue digital contractor licenses. 

    If you have questions about your digital license, visit https://www.merits.com/dporcontractor/, email help@merits.com, or call 1-833-463-7487.

    Important Notices Concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19):

    Licensing Section  (804) 367-8511    
    Education Section  (804) 367-2224 Board Office  (804) 367-2785
    Email  contractors@dpor.virginia.gov FAX  (866) 430-1033

     

  • Forms & Applications

    1. Select your application format: Working with Interactive and Static forms 
    2. Review the Introduction to Contractor Licensure, Step-by-Step Application Guide and Requirements for Qualified Individuals 
    3. Learn about trade-related exams and qualifications  
    4. Read and understand the Board for Contractors Regulations   
    5. Application fees are not refundable 

    APPLY | Contractor License                    

     
    CONTRACTOR FIRM License Application (v04/23/2020)
    • Class A, B, and C 
    • business entities and sole proprietors, not individuals
    • looking for tradesmen applications? 
         		 No online option  Interactive   Static   
    Financial Verification Forms (v07/01/2017)
    • Required of Class A and B applicants only 
    • Select ONE form to verify net worth/equity
         		 No online option  INTERACTIVE
    Financial Statement Form
    OR 
    Surety Bond Form     		 STATIC
    Financial Statement Form
    OR 
    Surety Bond Form Interactive  
    Contractor Experience Verification Form (v02/01/2018) No online option  Interactive  Static   
    Application for Temporary Contractor License (v04/23/2020) No online option      Interactive   Static  
    Expedited Class A License Application (v04/23/2020)
         		 No online option  Interactive   Static  

    APPLY | Residential Business Energy Analyst (RBEA)

    RBEA INDIVIDUAL License Application (v01/01/2016)  No online option  Interactive  Static 
    RBEA FIRM License Application (v04/23/2020) No online option  Interactive  Static 
    RBEA Experience Verification Form (v01/01/2016) No online option  Interactive  Static 

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    ADD/CHANGE License Information (for current licensees only)                   

     
    CHANGE of Qualified Individual (QI)/
    Designated Employee (DE)     (v08/01/2019)    		 No online option  Interactive  Static  
    CHANGE of Responsible Management (RM) (v08/01/2018) No online option  Interactive  Static 
    ADD License Specialty Designation (08/01/2019)
    • for contractors only 
         		 No online option  Interactive  Static  
    CHANGE in License Class (v04/28/2020)
    • for contractors only
         		 No online option  Interactive  Static  
    ADDRESS CHANGE FORM  Online Services  Interactive  Static 
    NAME CHANGE FORM  No online option  Interactive  Static 

    TERMINATE License  

    Certificate of License Termination (v12/01/2015)  No online option  Interactive   Static  

    RENEW

    Option 1   RENEW ONLINE  
    *available only for contractor firms and RBEA firms, not individual licensees 
    Option 2  Return the RENEWAL CARD received in the mail along with your payment 
    Option 3  Submit a CREDIT CARD PAYMENT FORM (Interactive or Static) by mail or FAX, with a statement indicating that the payment is for the renewal of a license. You MUST include your license number(s).      
    • Renewals cannot be processed over the phone. 
    • If your license has been expired for more than 30 days, you must contact Board staff at (804) 367-8511 or Contractors@dpor.virginia.gov for further guidance.         
     

     

    EDUCATION PROVIDER FORMS                                                      

    • FAQs for education providers      
     
    Approval Registration & Course Approval Application (v01/01/2018) No online option   Interactive  Static  
    Listing Update Form (v09/08/2017) No online option  Interactive  Static  

    OTHER FORMS

    Statement of Consumer Protections
    • required for residential door-to-door solicitations 
         		 No online option  No Interactive Form  Static 
    Certification Request Form 
    *official license information, often requested by other states for verification     		 No online option      Interactive  Static 
    Credit Card Payment Form  Pay Renewal Online   Interactive      Static 
    Disciplinary Action Reporting Form  No online option  Interactive  Static 
    DPOR Criminal Conviction Reporting Form  No online option  Interactive  Static 

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    DPOR Boards only accept the most current versions of the applications and forms as provided above. DPOR is not responsible for processing delays associated with forms that do not conform to this requirement.
     

     

    Laws & Regulations

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

    Statutes

    Regulations

    Pending regulatory action (proposed changes, public hearings, etc.) 

    Meetings & Minutes

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

    The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to the board's meeting schedule, agendas, and past meeting minutes.

    Visit the Town Hall: http://www.townhall.virginia.gov/L/viewboard.cfm?boardid=10&display=meetings 

     

    Education & Exams

    Pre-License Education | Remedial Education | Education Providers | Examinations 

    Pre-License Education

    In order to become licensed as a Contractor (Class A, Class B, or Class C), applicants must complete eight hours of pre-license education. For Class A and Class B applicants, the pre-license education must be completed by a member of responsible management or the designated employee. For Class C applicants, a member of responsible management must complete the pre-license education. Pre-license education is required for all new contractor licenses, and is a separate requirement from the Class A and Class B examinations.

    The pre-license education course is a basic business course that covers relevant regulations, statutes, and requirements that are necessary for every business owner. The course is not specific to any particular classification or specialty. A Board-approved advanced contractor class will also meet the requirements for the pre-license education course.

    In addition, applicants for licensure as a Residential Building Energy Analyst must complete a class from an approved RBEA vocational training provider.

    Remedial Education

    The Board may order licensed contractors to complete remedial education as part of a disciplinary or consent order.

    Every licensee ordered to complete remedial education must attend a full-day eight-hour class in person at DPOR. Classes are free, taught by certified DPOR staff, and offered once a month at DPOR offices in the Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Board Room 2 (directions here). 

    To sign up for a class, complete the Registration Form (see chart below) or contact the Board office at (804) 367-2785 or contractor@dpor.virginia.gov. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and walk-ins can only be accommodated if space is available. 

    All class participants must be a member of the Responsible Management team listed on the contractor license. You must bring a photo ID with you to registration. Credit will not be given unless you attend the entire length of the full-day class.

    NOTE: All classes are 8:15 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a 45-minute lunch break. Please bring your own lunch or be prepared to go off-site and return within the 45-minute time frame.

    2020 CLASS DATES 

    REGISTRATION FORM (pdf)       		  
    January 21, 2021 Thursday
    February 25, 2021 Thursday
    March 16, 2021 Tuesday
    April 8, 2021 Thursday
    May 11, 2021 Tuesday
    June 15, 2021  Tuesday 
    July 8, 2021 Thursday     
    August 12, 2021 Thursday     
    September 23, 2021 Thursday
    October 14, 2021 Thursday     
    November 10, 2021 Wednesday
    December 16, 2021 Thursday


     Education Providers 

    The Board for Contractors' Committee is responsible for reviewing applications from education providers seeking board approval. The Committee usually meets the day BEFORE the regularly scheduled Board meeting (schedule here) at 2:00 p.m. 

    Submission of correct and complete school/course applications must be received ONE MONTH PRIOR to the Committee meeting for consideration by the Committee and approval by the Board. The date of receipt by the Board office determines whether the application materials were received by the deadline. 

    Contact the Board's Education Section at (804) 367-2224 or contractors@dpor.virginia.gov with questions.


    Examinations

    Exam Vendor  PSI
    (855) 340-3910
    Frequency and Dates of Exam  Daily*
    Contact PSI (855) 340-3910
    *"daily" typically means Monday-Friday 
    Deadline for Application  No application deadline.
    Exam Fees (paid directly to PSI)   $40 One portion of exam
    $72 Two portions of exam
    $85 Three portions of exam
    $85 QI specialty exam 
    Exam Locations  Charlottesville, VA
    Richmond, VA
    Roanoke, VA 
    Vienna, VA 
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Johnson City, TN
    Salisbury, MD
    Questions About Exam Scheduling or Registration?  

    View PSI Candidate Information Bulletins (CIBs):

     
    Other Questions?  To check on the status of your application after passing the exam, contact the Board office at (804) 367-8511 or contractor@dpor.virginia.gov.

    News & Publications

    Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.

    Press Releases

    Board News

    • Worker Misclassification Prevention | Misclassification occurs when an employer improperly counts a worker as an independent contractor who should, in fact, be an employee. Employee misclassification undermines those businesses that follow the law by allowing unscrupulous employers to undercut bids because they avoid payroll costs. Virginia is committed to leveling the playing field for employers that play by the rules.   
    • Read the latest issue of Blueprints, the board's newsletter. Visit the newsletters page and choose the "Contractors Blueprints" tab for archived issues.  

    Consumer Education Materials

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Step-by-Step Guide to Contractor Licensure 

    1. How do I contact the Board office? Will I be able to speak directly with a Board member? 
    2. I am licensed in Virginia, and applying for licensure in another state.The other state is requesting verification of my Virginia license. What do I need to do? 
    3. How do I go about filing a complaint against a contractor? 
    4. I need to renew my license, but I haven't received my renewal form. What do I need to do? 
    5. My renewal payment was one day late and I have always paid on time. Can you waive the late fee? 
    6. I did not renew on time because I didn't receive my renewal card. Do I still have to pay a late fee or reinstate my license? 
    7. Does the Board office use the date of receipt or the postmark date to determine whether an application or renewal was received on time? 
    8. My address and/or name has changed. What do I need to do to notify the Board? 

    How do I contact the Board office? Will I be able to speak directly with a Board member? 

    If you have a question regarding licensing issues, renewal, application status, etc., please contact the Licensing Section at (804) 367-8511. If you have a question regarding continuing education providers, how to become a provider, or other questions relating to education, please contact the Education Section at (804) 367-2224.

    Additionally, if you have information that you would like to mail to the Board, please send it to:
    Board for Contractors
    Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
    9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
    Richmond, VA 23233

    The Board members do not work in the Board office. They come into the Board offices for Board meetings and hearings, but are not here on a daily basis. Board office staff members can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Board office. Please do not contact Board members directly.

    I am licensed in Virginia, and applying for licensure in another state.The other state is requesting verification of my Virginia license. What do I need to do?

    Please complete the Certification Request Form and send it with a check made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Specify where you would like the certification to be mailed.

    How do I go about filing a complaint against a contractor?

    Contact the Regulatory Programs and Compliance Section.

    I need to renew my license, but I haven't received my renewal form. What do I need to do?

    No earlier than 60 days prior to your license expiration, send in the renewal fee, make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, and include your license number on your check. Mail this information to:
    Board for Contractors
    Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
    9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
    Richmond, VA 23233

    You CANNOT continue to practice in Virginia after your license has expired.

    My renewal payment was one day late and I have always paid on time. Can you waive the late fee?

    No. The Board's regulations provide a 30-day period after the expiration date in which a license may be renewed without penalty (therefore, your payment is actually 31 days late). Staff cannot waive the fee.

    Board regulations state that if the requirements for renewal of a license, including receipt of the fee by the board, are not complete within 30 days of the expiration date, a reinstatement fee is required.

    Once your license expires, you no longer have a license to engage in contracting. The 30-day period is not a license extension, but only an additional 30 days to complete your renewal and submit payment without having to pay the reinstatement fee.

    I did not renew on time because I didn't receive my renewal card. Do I still have to pay a late fee or reinstate my license?

    Yes. Board regulations state that failure to receive the renewal notice does not relieve the licensee of the obligation to renew.

    Does the Board office use the date of receipt or the postmark date to determine whether an application or renewal was received on time?

    The date the application or renewal was received in the agency determines whether it is on time, not the postmark date. If the renewal fee is received after the due date, you will be required to pay the reinstatement fee. If the reinstatement fee is received after the due date, you will be required to reapply for licensure, meeting all current requirements.

    My address and/or name has changed. What do I need to do to notify the Board?

    Many Boards allow you to update your ADDRESS using Online Services, so login to your personal profile to see if this is an option for your license type. The alternative is to complete, print, sign, and submit an Address Change Form to the Board office by mail. Unless updated online, all Address Change Forms must be received by the Board in writing. When providing a post office box as the mailing address, it must be accompanied by the physical address.

    To report a NAME CHANGE: complete, print, sign, and submit a Name Change Form to the Board office. All name changes must be received by the Board in writing. Individual name change requests must be accompanied by a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official documentation that verifies the name change.

    Board for Contractors

    Board Executive Director

    Eric L. Olson

    Board Administrators

    Adrienne Mayo
    Marjorie King

    Board Member Roster

    Donald Groh
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2021
    Elevator Mechanic
    Chesapeake    		 Herbert "Jack" Dyer Jr. | BOARD CHAIRMAN  
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2017
    Commercial Contractor
    Ashland
    Jeffrey W. Hux 
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2022
    Plumbing Contractor
    Norfolk    		 Robin Christopher Plummer
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2022
    Sub-Contractor
    Petersburg
    E. G. "Rudy" Middleton 
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2018 
    Electrical Contractor
    Norfolk    		 Michael D. Redifer 
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2022 
    Building Code Official
    Waynesboro
    James Oliver | BOARD VICE CHAIR
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2019 
    Single-Family Residential Contractor
    Christiansburg    		 Caitlin King
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2022 
    Utilities Contractor  
    James City County
    Deborah Tomlin 
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2021
    Home Improvement Contractor 
    Colonial Heights    		 Sheila Bynum-Coleman 
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2020
    Class A General Contractor
    Chesterfield
    VACANT 
    Materials Supplier    		 John David O'Dell
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2022 
    Certified Water Well System Provider
    Mechanicsville
    Jeffrey Shawn Mitchell
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2022
    HVAC Contractor
    Broadlands    		 Gene E. Magruder 
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2020 
    Citizen Member
    Newport News
    Vance T. Ayres
    Second four-year term ends June 30, 2020 
    Citizen Member
    King George    		 Wiley "Bif"" V. Johnson
    First four-year term ends June 30, 2021
    Professional Engineer
    Madison Heights

    Board members are appointed by the Governor. To learn more about the gubernatorial appointment process, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website.  

    Military and Veterans Services

    DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.

    Active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia).

    Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application (PDF). A temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state who need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements is also an option if necessary. [Section 54.1-119] 

    • Military spouses also can get help covering the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse.

     

    For honorably discharged veterans, “substantially equivalent” military training, education, or experience may be credited toward certain license requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-118). In addition, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services may reimburse veterans for the cost of license or certification exams. 

    Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund

    The Contractor Transaction Recovery Act provides relief to eligible consumers who have incurred losses through the improper and dishonest conduct of a licensed contractor. Filing a claim does not guarantee payment.


    Looking for information about the Real Estate Recovery Fund? Visit the Real Estate Board page.

    Available Online Services

    The transactions listed below are only for Contractor Business license types:

    • Contractor Temporary (2703)
    • Class A, B or C Contractors (2705)
    • Residential Building Energy Analyst Firm (2707)
    • Education Providers

    The Tradesmen Program page lists online services offered for Individual license types (e.g., tradesmen, elevator mechanics, residential building energy analysts, etc.).

    (Please check back periodically as we modify transactions in the future.)  

    Address change

    • Contractor Temporary (2703) 
    • Class A, B or C Contractor (2705) 
    • Education Providers 

    Renew a license

    • Class A, B or C Contractor (2705) 
    • Residential Building Energy Analyst Firm (2707) 

    Reinstate an expired license

    • Class A, B or C Contractor (2705) 
    • Residential Building Energy Analyst Firm (2707)  

    Go to Online Services