Virginia Class C Contractor License

Class C is Virginia's entry-level contractor license, covering single contracts over $1,000 and under $30,000, or firms with annual construction volume under $250,000. The Board for Contractors at DPOR issues Class C licenses. Contracting in Class C territory without the license is a Class 1 misdemeanor — fines up to $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, and civil penalties up to $500 per day.

When Class C applies

Class C applies when the single contract is over $1,000 but under $30,000 (per § 54.1-1100), and annual volume stays below $250,000. If a job will reach $30,000, or if annual volume is crossing $250,000, Class B applies instead.

Qualification requirements

• 1 year of experience in the specific classification or specialty (for the Qualified Individual)
• Pre-license education: Board-approved course required for the member of responsible management

Application fee: $260 ($235 base + $25 Recovery Fund contribution)

Verify current exam and documentation requirements directly with DPOR's Board for Contractors before submitting your application.

Renewal and reinstatement

Licenses renew every 24 months at $250 ($220 base + $30 Recovery Fund). Renew through DPOR's online portal before the expiration date. If the license lapses more than 30 days, reinstatement is required — reinstatement for Class C costs $490 ($460 reinstatement fee + $30 Recovery Fund assessment).

Next steps and upgrade path

Apply with DPOR's Board for Contractors at dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors. Once annual volume crosses $250,000 or a single project reaches $30,000, upgrade to Class B is required. Plan that transition before taking on qualifying work — a Class B application takes up to 45 days to process.