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Painting Contractor — PC
Total cost: $430-$960
Governing Authority
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Class A/B/C
License Type
Yes
Exam Required
2 years
Experience Required
$10,000-$50,000 (varies by license class)
Bonding Required
$430-$960
Total Initial Fees
State contractor licensing requirements for painting contractors
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
DPOR Contractor License (Class A: $120,000+, Class B: $10,000-$120,000, Class C: up to $10,000)
Class: Class A/B/C
License Threshold
$1,000
Exemptions
Virginia requires a contractor license for painting work. Requirements are administered by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Always verify current requirements directly with the licensing authority.
Not sure if you need a painting contractor license? Check whether your state requires one.
Experience, Education & Examination Requirements
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
2 Years
2 years of experience in the classification applied for, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Exam Required
Yes
Trade-specific exam and/or business and law exam depending on license class
Education
High school diploma or equivalent typically required
Virginia requires passing an examination to obtain a painting contractor license. Exams typically cover trade knowledge, business practices, and state law. All painting contractors working on pre-1978 homes should obtain EPA RRP certification for lead paint safety.
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Mostly verifiedGeneral Liability
Required — $100,000-$500,000
Workers' Compensation
Required for employers with 3+ employees
Surety Bond
Required — $10,000-$50,000 (varies by license class)
Insurance requirements vary by state. Even in states that do not mandate insurance for painting contractors, carrying general liability insurance ($1,000,000+ recommended) and workers' compensation insurance is strongly recommended to protect your business and clients. Surety bonds protect consumers if a contractor fails to complete work or meet obligations.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
License Application Fee Application fee for contractor license | $100-$200 |
License Fee License issuance fee | $150-$350 |
Exam Fee Exam administration fee | $80-$160 |
Bond Cost Surety bond face amount (annual premium is typically 1-10% of bond amount) | $10,000-$50,000 (varies by license class) |
Business License Fee General business license/registration fee for Virginia | $100-$250 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, license, exam, and business license fees. Bond premiums and insurance costs are additional. | $430-$960 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
Mostly verifiedBiennial (2-year)
Renewal Period
$150-$350
Renewal Fee
8 Hours
Continuing Education
CE Details
8 hours of continuing education required per renewal period
Painting contractor licenses in Virginia must be renewed biennial (2-year). Ensure all insurance and bonding requirements remain current between renewal periods. EPA RRP certification must be renewed every 5 years.
Virginia requires contractor licensing through DPOR based on project value: Class A ($120,000+), Class B ($10,000-$120,000), or Class C (up to $10,000). Two years of experience and exams are required.
Virginia requires DPOR Contractor License (Class A: $120,000+, Class B: $10,000-$120,000, Class C: up to $10,000) for painting contractors.
License is required for projects valued at $1,000 (Class C threshold).
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule certification is required for work on pre-1978 homes that disturbs lead-based paint. This is a federal requirement that applies in all states.
Workers' compensation insurance is required in Virginia: Required for employers with 3+ employees.
A surety bond of $10,000-$50,000 (varies by license class) is required for contractor licensing.
Painting Contractor requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (you) | $430-$960 | 6–10 wks | |
| District of Columbia | $510-$835 | 4–6 wks | → |
| Kentucky | $40-$100 | 2–3 wks | → |
| Maryland | $700-$402 | 4–6 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $480-$985 | 6–10 wks | → |
See how Virginia compares: Painting Contractor License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Painting Contractor licensing requirements nationwide →
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Painting Contractor Schools in Virginia
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Study guides and business resources for painting contractor licensing exams.
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Painting Contractor requirements in Virginia verified against Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Painting Contractor license to Virginia →
Transfer your Painting Contractor license from Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | North Carolina → | Tennessee → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
Virginia requires DPOR Contractor License (Class A: $120,000+, Class B: $10,000-$120,000, Class C: up to $10,000) for painting contractors. License is required for projects valued at $1,000. An examination is required. A surety bond of $10,000-$50,000 (varies by license class) is required. All painting contractors working on pre-1978 homes must obtain EPA RRP certification. Licensing is managed through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.