Virginia Fire Protection Contractor Licensing (DPOR)

Fire protection work in Virginia requires a DPOR contractor license under the Board for Contractors — but which designation you need depends on the type of system. Three DPOR designations cover fire protection:

• Fire Sprinkler Contracting (SPR) — a contractor license classification for water-based sprinkler systems, available under Class A, B, or C
• Fire Alarm Systems Contracting (FAS) — a specialty designation for fire alarm installation and maintenance
• Fire Suppression Contracting (FSP) — a specialty designation for non-water suppression systems; FSP explicitly does not cover water sprinkler systems

License Classes and Project Thresholds

Class A covers projects of $150,000 or more; Class B covers $30,000–$149,999; Class C covers projects over $1,000 but under $30,000 per § 54.1-1100. Each class requires examination and experience documentation.

Fees

Class C application fee is $260 per 18VAC50-22-100 (includes the Recovery Fund assessment). Class C renewal is $250 every two years per 18VAC50-22-140. Class A and B licenses carry higher fees; check the DPOR fee schedule at dpor.virginia.gov for each class.

Reinstatement After Expiration

Contractor licenses expire every two years. DPOR allows a 30-day window after expiration to renew at the standard rate. After that, reinstatement is required at a higher fee per 18VAC50-22-170. There is no flat late-renewal penalty.

Risk of Unlicensed Work

Performing contractor work without a valid DPOR license is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 54.1-1115: criminal penalties up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail, plus a civil fine of up to $500 per day.