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General Contractor License in Virginia

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your General Contractor license in VA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$450

Processing Time

6-8 Weeks

Exam Required

Contractor Business & Law Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your General Contractor license in Virginia.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved General Contractor training program in Virginia.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your VA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Contractor Business & Law Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Virginia licensing board and pay the $450 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-8 weeks in VA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a General Contractor in Virginia starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the VA licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the Contractor Business & Law Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Virginia state board.

Requirements

The Virginia licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring General Contractor professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the Contractor Business & Law Exam. VA also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a General Contractor license in Virginia is approximately $450. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. VA also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Virginia may incur additional penalties of up to $113.

License Fee Calculator — General Contractor in Virginia

Base License Fee$450
Estimated Total$450

Renewal Process

Virginia requires General Contractor license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $300 in VA. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. Virginia offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — General Contractor in VA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Virginia requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Working as a General Contractor in Virginia offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. VA has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Virginia also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified General Contractor professionals.

Document Checklist — General Contractor

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Virginia General Contractor License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize VA General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize VA General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize VA General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) NoneAR does not recognize VA General Contractor license. Full re-application required.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts VA General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for VA license holders.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for VA license holders.
Florida (FL) FullFL accepts VA General Contractor license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Virginia

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Richmond

9960 Mayland Dr, Richmond, VA 23233

(804) 367-8500

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Virginia Beach

2401 Courthouse Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23456

(757) 385-4242

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Norfolk

810 Union St, Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 664-4000

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Arlington

2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

(703) 228-3000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Roanoke

215 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

(540) 853-2000

Mon-Fri 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Virginia Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Virginia state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.