Virginia contractor license lookup: Class A, B and C explained
The short answer
To look up a Virginia contractor license, search the contractor's name or license number in the DPOR License Lookup at dpor.virginia.gov. The record shows the license class (A, B or C), its classifications such as RBC, and its status. Class A has no upper limit on contract value; Class B and Class C have limits.
How to look up a license on DPOR
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) keeps the public record of every licensed contractor. The search is free and takes a minute.
- Open the License LookupGo to dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup.
- SearchType the business name or the license number. The search also takes an address or a license type.
- Open the recordPick the result that matches the company on your estimate or contract.
- Check four thingsThe name matches the company you are signing with, the class covers the size of your job, the classifications cover the work, and the license is current.
Class A vs B vs C limits
The class sets how large a single contract, and how much work in 12 months, a contractor may take on. The Class C license starts above $1,000 a job, so most exterior projects call for a licensed contractor.
| Class | Single contract or project | Total in 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Class C | Over $1,000 and under $30,000 | Up to $250,000 |
| Class B | $30,000 to under $150,000 | $250,000 to under $1 million |
| Class A | $150,000 and up, no upper limit | $1 million and up |
What RBC means
Next to the class, a license lists classifications and specialties: the kind of work it covers. RBC stands for Residential Building Contractor.
- Covers: construction, remodeling, repair, improvement, removal or demolition of dwellings and townhouses, including accessory buildings on the property.
- Does not cover: electrical, plumbing, HVAC or gas fitting, or work on commercial, industrial, institutional or government buildings.
Source: 18VAC50-22-20, Virginia Administrative Code
What your written contract must show
For residential work, Virginia's Board for Contractors requires a written contract signed by both sides before work starts or any payment is taken. Among other items, it must include:
- Dates: when work begins and the estimated completion date.
- Price: the total cost, or the cost-plus cap, or the time-and-materials terms.
- Payments: the progress payment schedule and the down payment amount.
- Scope: the materials and work you asked for.
- The contractor: name, address, license number, class and classifications.
- Changes: any change to cost, materials, work or dates in writing, signed by all parties.
- Your protections: your cancellation rights and a notice about the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund.
Source: 18VAC50-22-260, Virginia Administrative Code
Red flags when hiring
- No license number: on the estimate or the contract.
- A different name: on the license than on the contract.
- A license that is not current: on DPOR.
- A class too small: for the price of your job.
- Money before a signed contract: Virginia requires the signatures first.
- No written contract: at all.
How E3R shows its license
E3R Home Services LLC holds a Virginia Class A license, RBC, number 2705200468. It goes on our contracts, as Virginia requires, and you can check it on DPOR before you call us.
See our license and insuranceClass A, RBC #2705200468, with a link to verify it on DPOR.Ask about this guide
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