Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Virginia Class A, B, or C Contractor License

   Virginia requires all plumbing contractors to hold a state contractor license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Plumbing is a specialty classification requiring a master tradesman qualifier. Class C: single contract $1,000–$29,999 (or 12-month total under $250,000). Class B: single contract $30,000–$149,999 (or 12-month total $250,000–$999,999). Class A: single contract $150,000+ (or 12-month total $1,000,000+). Pass a board exam for Class A/B (and for the plumbing specialty), provide financial verification, and post a bond if required.

   Official government source

   Class C $235 + $25 Recovery Fund fee; Class B $380 + $25; Class A $400 + $25 (application fees per DPOR fee schedule, eff. Sept. 2025); biennial renewal·4–8 weeks

   Class C $235 + $25 Recovery Fund fee; Class B $380 + $25; Class A $400 + $25 (application fees per DPOR fee schedule, eff. Sept. 2025); biennial renewal

   4–8 weeks

2. Virginia Contractor Financial Requirement (Class A/B only)

   Virginia does not require plumbing contractors to carry a fixed surety bond by class or liability insurance as a DPOR licensing condition. Class A applicants must show $45,000 net worth (via financial statement/CPA review) OR obtain a $50,000 surety bond on DPOR's bond form in lieu of that statement. Class B applicants must show $15,000 net worth OR the same $50,000 bond option. Class C applicants have no net worth/bond requirement.

   Official government source

   $0 if net worth verified by financial statement; bond premium if the $50,000 bond option is used instead (varies by surety, typically 1-5% of bond amount/year)·1–3 days

   $0 if net worth verified by financial statement; bond premium if the $50,000 bond option is used instead (varies by surety, typically 1-5% of bond amount/year)

   1–3 days

3. Virginia Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

   LLCs and corporations must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC filing fee)·1–5 business days (online filing)

   $100 (LLC filing fee)

   1–5 business days (online filing)

1. City of Virginia Beach Business License

   All businesses operating in Virginia Beach must obtain a Business License from the City of Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue. Plumbing contractors are classified under the Contracting category: $25 flat fee for gross receipts ≤$25,000; $40 for ≤$100,000; $50 for ≤$200,000; and $0.16 per $100 of gross receipts for receipts ≥$200,000.

   Official government source

   $25 (gross receipts ≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.16 per $100 (≥$200,000) — Contracting category·1–5 days

   $25 (gross receipts ≤$25,000); $40 (≤$100,000); $50 (≤$200,000); $0.16 per $100 (≥$200,000) — Contracting category

   1–5 days

2. Virginia Beach — Contractor Registration

   Plumbing contractors must register with the City of Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development before obtaining permits. The Virginia state contractor license must be verified. No separate city plumbing exam is required.

   Official government source

   No additional fee (covered by state license)·1–3 days

   No additional fee (covered by state license)

   1–3 days

Official Sources

• Virginia DPOR — Contractors Board
• City of Virginia Beach — Department of Planning

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