Quick Reference
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bond Amount | $50,000 (Class A); $15,000 (Class B); $2,500 (Class C) |
| Bond Type | Contractor License Bond |
| Licensing Body | Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors |
| Project Threshold | Class A: unlimited; Class B: up to $120,000/contract; Class C: up to $10,000/contract |
| GL Insurance Required | $500,000 per occurrence (Class A and B typical) |
| Additional Requirements | Designated Employee (DE) required for each license class; experience and exam requirements scale with class |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate-High — DPOR investigates complaints; Home Improvement Contractor Act enforcement active |
Bond amounts change. Confirm the current requirement at Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors before purchasing.
What Makes Virginia Different
- Virginia's three-class system creates natural growth path: start Class C, upgrade to B, then A as business grows
- The Class A $50,000 bond is required for unlimited project values — essential for commercial contractors
- A Designated Employee (DE) must be on staff who has passed the relevant exam — losing the DE affects licensing
- Virginia's Home Improvement Contractor Act requires specific disclosures for all residential work
- DPOR licenses specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) under separate classifications with their own requirements
Annual Bond Cost
| Credit Score | Rate | Est. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 700+ (Excellent) | 1–1.5% | $150–$375/yr depending on class |
| 650–699 (Good) | 2–3% | ~1.5–2× good-credit cost |
| 600–649 (Fair) | 3–5% | ~2–3× good-credit cost |
| Below 600 | 5–15% | $750–$7,500/yr depending on class |
Use the Premium Calculator for an exact estimate. Getting two or three competing quotes is the single most effective way to find your actual low-end rate.
How to Get Your Virginia Contractor Bond
- Verify the current bond amount at Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors
- Check whether a state-specific bond form is required
- Apply with a Virginia-admitted surety — verify admission status before paying
- Pay annual premium, receive certificate and Power of Attorney — never separate these
- Submit to Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors with your license application
- Confirm bond recorded on your license before starting work — processing: 4–8 weeks
Use the Timeline Estimator for a day-by-day schedule based on your credit score and bond amount.
What the Bond Covers — and What It Doesn't
Your Virginia contractor license bond guarantees compliance with Virginia contractor licensing law. It covers harm caused by permit violations, job abandonment after payment, license scope violations, and other licensing law breaches — all from the perspective of protecting clients and the licensing board, not you.
The bond does NOT cover: property damage from operations (general liability insurance), worker injuries (workers' comp), or quality disputes not connected to a licensing violation. If a valid claim is paid, you owe the full amount back to the surety under your indemnity agreement. How claims work →
Maintaining Your Bond
Set a calendar reminder 45 days before your annual premium anniversary — invoice delays are common and missing the renewal date triggers cancellation and license suspension. If your credit has improved since you first obtained the bond, request a re-rating at renewal. Full renewal guide →
Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia Contractor Bonds
What is the Virginia Designated Employee (DE) requirement?
Can I use my Virginia Class B license to bid on a $200,000 commercial project?
Does Virginia's Class C license cover handyman work and small renovations?
What disclosures does Virginia require in residential home improvement contracts?
How long does a Virginia contractor license take to obtain?
This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change. Always verify with Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors before purchasing. ContractorBondInfo is not a bond seller, insurance agent, or legal advisor.