How often do I need to renew my General Engineering Contractor (Class A) in West Virginia?

The General Engineering Contractor (Class A) in West Virginia must be renewed every 12 months.

How much does it cost to renew a General Engineering Contractor (Class A) in West Virginia?

The renewal cost for a General Engineering Contractor (Class A) in West Virginia is $90.00.

What happens if my General Engineering Contractor (Class A) expires in West Virginia?

Operating without a valid license may result in administrative penalties of $200-$1,000. For contracts of $25,000 or more, penalties up to $200 per day may apply. Continued violations after a cease and desist order constitute a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000 and possible jail time.

West Virginia renewal guide

General Engineering Contractor (Class A)

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

See this alongside the other 11 West Virginia license pages we track.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board

Renewal period

Every 12 months

Renewal fee

$90.00

Late penalty

$25.00

Bond requirement

Yes — $12,000.00

Insurance requirement

Yes — General Liability, Workers' Compensation

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
Make sure the bond still clears

The $12,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
2
Check the insurance certificates

Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
3
File with the board

File through West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board and pay the $90.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online
4
Leave room for processing

Typical processing time is 30 days, so do not wait until the last minute.

If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $25.00, with a 15-day grace period.

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

The WV General Engineering Contractor License Is Required for All Civil Construction Work

West Virginia's General Engineering Contractor license, issued by the WV Contractor Licensing Board under WV Code Chapter 30-42, authorizes heavy civil and infrastructure construction — grading, paving, bridge work, underground utilities, and similar fixed-works projects. WV Code §30-42-6 sets no project dollar minimum: any contracting activity requires a CLB license before bidding or starting work.

Two Exams Required Before the Board Issues a License

The CLB requires all General Engineering Contractor applicants to pass:

Written trade examination for the General Engineering Contractor classification — administered by Pro-V, Inc. (provexam.com)
WV Business & Law Exam — also administered by Pro-V

Contact the CLB at wvclboard.wv.gov for current exam fees, registration, and scheduling.

Annual $90 Renewal — $25 Late Fee After 15 Days, Reapplication After 90 Days

The CLB charges $90 for annual renewal. A $25 late fee applies if you miss the deadline by more than 15 days. Let the license lapse for 90 days or more and you cannot renew — WV Code §30-42-13 bars renewal — contact the CLB at wvclboard.wv.gov to begin reapplication.

Carry a Surety Bond, Workers' Comp, and a Wage Bond for Construction Employees

All CLB licensees must maintain:

Surety bond — $12,000, required before license issuance
Workers' compensation — required if you employ any workers (WV Code §30-42-5)
Wage bond — required for construction work with employees (WV Code §21-5-14). The bond equals four weeks of gross payroll at full capacity plus 15%.

Fines of $200–$1,000 Escalate to Misdemeanor After a Cease and Desist Order

The CLB may impose administrative fines of $200–$1,000 for contracting without a license. On projects with a total value of $25,000 or more, an additional daily penalty of up to $200 may apply.

After a cease and desist order under §30-42-14, violations escalate:

First offense: fine of $200–$1,000 (no jail)
Second offense: fine of $500–$5,000, or up to six months in jail, or both
Third and subsequent: fine of $1,000–$5,000 and mandatory jail of 30 days to one year

Official links