Virginia contractor license bond
Usually not requiredOnly if you can't prove financial responsibility or net worth.
Virginia licensure is based on net worth, not a bond. Class A applicants must show $45,000 net worth and Class B $15,000, and either may post a $50,000 surety bond in lieu of documenting it. Class C has neither requirement. Localities may impose their own bonds separately. [Source: DPOR ↗]
Good to know
The bond is an optional substitute for showing net worth, not a state requirement.
Estimate your premium
You pay a percentage of the bond amount each year, based on credit.
About 1.5–3.0% of a $50,000 bond.
Estimate only. Your real rate is set by the surety after a quick credit check, and the premium is typically nonrefundable once the bond is issued.
How to get bonded and licensed in Virginia
- 1Apply for your contractor license or registration with DPOR.
- 2Prove financial responsibility (net worth) if you can — for most contractors that means no surety bond is required.
- 3If you can't meet the financial test, post the surety bond instead and submit it with your application.
- 4Carry any required insurance and keep your credential active at renewal.
Virginia contractor bond FAQ
Does Virginia require a contractor license bond?
Not for most contractors. Virginia doesn't require a contractor bond; Class A and B applicants may post an optional $50,000 bond instead of documenting net worth.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Virginia?
Most Virginia contractors don't need a bond at all. If you do — because you can't prove the financial requirement — it's a percentage of the roughly $50,000 amount, about $750–$1,500 a year with good credit.
Who regulates contractor licensing in Virginia?
Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors sets the rules. The bond is an optional substitute for showing net worth, not a state requirement.
What does a contractor license bond protect?
A contractor license bond protects your customers and the licensing authority, not you. It guarantees you'll follow the state's contractor laws; if you break them and someone is owed money, they can file a claim against the bond, and you must repay the surety.
Is the bond premium refundable?
Generally no. Once the bond is issued, the premium is earned by the surety and is typically nonrefundable, even if you never have a claim. Most bonds run one to two years, and you renew to keep your license active.
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Bond requirements and amounts are set by DPOR and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.