Board for Contractors

Which application format is right for you? Tips on how to choose.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . .

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. Applications Instructions: English or Spanish 
5. Read and understand the Board for Contractors Regulations
6. Application fees are not refundable

APPLY | Contractor License          

APPLY | Residential Building Energy Analyst (RBEA)

ADD/CHANGE License Information (for current licensees only)

TERMINATE License

RENEW

• 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

OTHER FORMS

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.

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

Statutes

• Chapter 11 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia - Contractors Statutes  
• Section 55-70.1 of the Code of Virginia - New Home Warranty Statute 

Regulations

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

• Contractors Regulations online | PDF 
• Tradesmen Regulations  online | PDF 
• Guidance Documents on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
  • UPDATED Contractors Board Policies & Interpretations 
     
•  

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: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=10

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.

• Approved Contractor Pre-License Education Schools/Courses
• Approved Residential Building Energy Analyst (RBEA) Vocational Training Schools/Courses

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 register. 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.

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

• Important Notice Concerning the Coronavirus - Updates: https://www.psionline.com/important-notice-update-concerning-covid-19-coronavirus/
   
• Successful completion of the examination is required before applying for licensure.
   
• Information About QI Exam: Written Exam Requirement for Certain Contractor "Qualified Individuals"
   
• The Virginia Building and Fire Regulations.  The building and fire regulations are used as references on several examinations. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Contractor Licensure 

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.

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.

Learn more about the Contractor Recovery Fund.

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

Renew a license

Reinstate an expired license

Go to Online Services