Clear the License Check Before You Bid or Build
Verify the exact business, active status, expiration date and contractor classifications before signing a construction agreement, accepting a bid, issuing a permit or releasing payment.
Applicants can use this guide to calculate the correct project threshold, select the right ProV examinations, prepare the business and qualifier records, renew on time and avoid preventable licensing delays.
Do Not Combine the Three Dollar Rules
West Virginia generally uses a $5,000 residential licensing threshold, a $25,000 commercial licensing threshold and a separate $10,000 written-contract requirement. The entire undertaking includes labor and materials required to complete the connected project.
West Virginia Contractor License Lookup
Search the exact legal business that will bid, sign the agreement, appear on the permit and receive payment. Do not accept a license number belonging to an owner, employee, affiliate or similarly named company.
Use the most precise search information available
License number
Enter the complete number printed on the bid, advertisement, contract or permit record. This usually produces the most precise result.
Legal business name
Search the entity that will contract and receive payment. Do not search only a salesperson, qualifier, trade name or project manager.
Classification and expiration
Open the record and confirm that the classification covers the actual work and the expiration date covers the planned start.
If the official search returns no result
- Remove punctuation and search the exact legal business name.
- Ask the contractor to provide the license number in writing.
- Compare the company with West Virginia business-registration records.
- Check whether the work is instead regulated through HVAC, plumbing, electrical or manufactured-housing licensing.
- Contact the Division of Labor when a recently renewed record has not updated.
- Do not rely solely on a screenshot provided by the contractor.
How to Interpret the License Record
A matching company name is not enough. Check whether the exact contracting entity has current authority for the actual scope of work.
| Record item | What to compare | Reason to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Legal licensee | Bid, contract, invoice, permit and payment recipient. | Another company or person is using the number. |
| Status | The record should be current before bidding, contracting and beginning work. | Expired, lapsed, inactive, suspended or missing status. |
| Expiration | The date should cover the planned contract and mobilization period. | The contractor says renewal was submitted but the live record remains lapsed. |
| Classification | The displayed class should cover the principal construction scope. | The company holds an unrelated or narrower class. |
| License number | The number should appear on the face of a bid and match the agreement. | The bidder refuses to identify the license. |
| Trade credentials | Verify individual technicians or plumbers when regulated work is included. | Only the company license has been checked. |
Tool 1: License Record Safety Check
Open the live official result, then answer each question using that record and the proposed contract.
Residential and Commercial License Thresholds
The undertaking is the entire construction project, including all labor and materials required to accomplish it.
Residential: $5,000 or more
Residential contracting generally reaches the state license threshold when the entire undertaking is at least $5,000.
Commercial: $25,000 or more
The commercial contractor-license threshold generally begins when the complete undertaking reaches $25,000.
Written agreement: $10,000
A separate rule requires a signed written agreement for covered contracting work valued at $10,000 or more.
What belongs in the undertaking total?
- Contractor and employee labor.
- Subcontracted labor.
- Contractor-supplied materials.
- Owner-furnished materials used in the project.
- Approved change orders and added phases.
- Related work forming one connected construction project.
Examples that prevent threshold mistakes
| Example | Practical analysis |
|---|---|
| $4,200 residential labor plus $1,300 materials | The undertaking totals $5,500 and generally reaches the residential license threshold. |
| $22,000 commercial contract plus $5,000 change order | The connected undertaking reaches $27,000 and generally crosses the commercial threshold. |
| $8,000 residential repair | The contractor-license threshold may apply even though the separate $10,000 written-contract trigger is not reached. |
| $12,000 commercial specialty job | The commercial contractor threshold may not be reached, but the written-contract rule and trade licensing can still apply. |
| Owner purchases $6,000 of materials | Do not automatically remove the materials from the undertaking merely because the owner paid the supplier directly. |
Tool 2: Threshold and Contract Checker
Add the connected labor, material and change-order costs. This is planning guidance rather than a legal determination.
Use a Signed Written Contract at $10,000 or More
A licensed contractor performing covered contracting work with an aggregate value of at least $10,000, including labor and materials, must use a written agreement signed by the licensee and customer.
Practical terms to include before work starts
Identity and scope
- Exact licensed business name.
- Customer name and project address.
- Contractor license number.
- Detailed labor and materials.
- Subcontracted work.
- Owner-furnished materials.
Money, timing and completion
- Total price and allowances.
- Progress-payment schedule.
- Start and estimated completion dates.
- Written change-order procedure.
- Permit and inspection responsibility.
- Warranty, cleanup and final-payment conditions.
West Virginia Contractor Classifications
ProV administers examinations, but ProV does not decide which license classifications the business needs. Send the real scope of work to the Board before registering.
| Classification | Typical scope | Micro-level warning |
|---|---|---|
| General Building | Overall building construction and projects involving multiple construction classifications. | Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and certain engineering work may require additional classes. |
| General Engineering | Infrastructure, utilities, highways, bridges, industrial work and similar engineered projects. | A retaining wall exceeding six feet requires this class or an approved engineering plan under the active rule. |
| Residential | Construction, repair or improvement of qualifying residential structures. | Verify separate trade licenses for regulated systems. |
| Remodeling and Repair | Existing-structure remodeling using two or more classifications. | The active rule limits this classification to undertakings not exceeding $40,000. |
| Multifamily | Construction, repair and improvement of structures containing two or more residential units. | Do not assume a basic residential class automatically covers multifamily work. |
| Electrical, HVAC or Plumbing | Contracting for regulated electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems. | Individual workers may also need separate credentials. |
| Specialty classifications | Concrete, excavation, masonry, piping, fire protection, structural steel, utilities and manufactured-home installation. | Confirm the exact examination because a wrong exam fee is not refunded. |
ProV Exams, Fees, Books and Retesting
Applicants generally pass the Contractor Licensing Act examination plus each applicable classification examination.
| Exam item | Current rule | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee | $59.95 for each first attempt or retake. | Confirm the exact exam before paying. |
| Passing score | 70% or higher on every required examination. | Keep the score report and confirm State reporting. |
| Business and law | The Contractor Licensing Act exam is required in addition to applicable trade exams. | Do not assume one trade exam completes the process. |
| Testing format | Computerized testing at approved centers or available remote-proctoring routes. | Confirm equipment and room requirements before choosing remote testing. |
| Cancellation | Contact ProV at least three business days before the scheduled test. | Reschedule before the deadline to avoid losing the fee. |
| Retesting | No waiting period after a failed exam; the same exam fee applies again. | Review weak topics before immediately paying for another attempt. |
Prepare reference books correctly
Allowed preparation
- Highlighting.
- Permanent tabs.
- Approved reference editions listed for the exam.
- Printed government material when the bulletin specifically allows it.
Not allowed in the testing room
- Handwritten notes.
- Movable tabs or Post-it notes.
- Inserted photocopied documents.
- Photocopied reference books.
- Practice exams or test-prep study guides as references.
Exam review after repeated failure
A candidate may request a review after failing an exam category at least twice and scoring within 10 points of the required 70% passing score. Follow the current ProV review procedure rather than purchasing another exam immediately.
How to Apply for a West Virginia Contractor License
The contractor license belongs to the business entity. The qualifier supplies accepted examination scores but cannot lend the license to another business.
Establish the exact legal business
Determine whether the applicant is a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC or another recognized entity. Use that exact name on every license, tax and compliance record.
Describe the complete construction scope
List every type of work the entity plans to bid or perform. Send the scope to the Board before selecting examinations.
Choose a valid qualifier
The qualifier must be a member of responsible management or a genuine full-time employee of the applicant entity.
Pass the required examinations
Complete the Contractor Licensing Act examination and each required classification examination with a score of at least 70%.
Prepare business-compliance records
Confirm business registration, tax standing, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation and applicable wage-bond information or exemptions.
Complete the current Board forms
Use the latest application or affidavit provided through the official forms hub. Match the entity name, qualifier relationship, exam scores and requested classifications exactly.
Pay the correct fee or submit a waiver affidavit
The standard annual fee is $90. Qualified first-time low-income or military-family applicants may request an initial fee waiver.
Wait for the official active record
Passing exams, mailing forms or paying a fee does not authorize contracting. Verify the exact entity in the public database before bidding or starting covered work.
Application packet consistency check
- Legal entity name is identical on every record.
- Qualifier’s name and relationship are accurately stated.
- Every requested classification has a supporting examination.
- Workers’ compensation and unemployment information is current.
- Business and tax records are active.
- Signatures, affidavits and notarization requirements are complete.
- A full copy of the submitted packet is retained.
Tool 3: Application Readiness Check
Select only items already prepared. The result identifies gaps before the application is submitted.
License Fees, Late Fees and Initial Waivers
| Transaction | Amount | Planning detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard annual contractor license | $90 | Applies at initial licensing and annual renewal unless an exception applies. |
| Electrical-only sole proprietor | $20 | Limited to a qualifying sole proprietor who personally holds the required electrician license and operates only as an electrical contractor. |
| Late renewal | $25 additional | Applies when the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 calendar days after expiration. |
| Duplicate license | $10 | Available through a written request from the license holder. |
| ProV examination | $59.95 each | Applies to every first attempt and retake. |
Low-income and military-family initial waivers
A qualifying first-time low-income individual or military-family applicant may request an initial fee waiver by submitting the required affidavit. The standard $90 annual fee applies at renewal after the initial waiver period.
Conditional Bid-Only and Universal Licensing Routes
A conditional license can allow a qualifying out-of-state entity to bid, but it does not authorize construction or subcontractor hiring after an award.
Pass Business and Law
The conditional applicant must pass the West Virginia business and law examination with at least 70%.
Bid purposes only
The conditional license supports the permitted bid activity described by the rule.
Upgrade before work
If awarded the project, obtain the applicable classifications before starting construction or hiring subcontractors.
Universal Licensing Act applicants
An applicant qualifying through West Virginia’s Universal Licensing Act must still complete the contractor process and pass the West Virginia business and law examination under the active contractor rule.
Qualifier Relationships and the 45-Day Replacement Rule
A qualifier is the individual whose passing examination score supports the entity’s classification. The qualifier must be part of responsible management or a genuine full-time employee.
| Situation | Current rule | Practical response |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible management | Can include an officer, partner, LLC manager, managing partner or sole proprietor with fiduciary responsibility. | Document the person’s legal management role. |
| Full-time employee | Must maintain a genuine full-time relationship with the licensed entity. | Keep employment and payroll records supporting the relationship. |
| Qualifier leaves | The entity generally must name a replacement within 45 calendar days from notice of severance. | Notify and contact the Board immediately. |
| No replacement | The affected classification can be removed or the license can become inactive. | Do not rely on unsupported authority. |
| Multiple qualifiers | An entity may have multiple qualifiers, but the exam bulletin states that backups are not allowed. | Each qualifier must genuinely support a classification. |
| Same exam score | A responsible-management qualifier can use the score for another entity where that individual is also responsible management; a full-time employee cannot use the score for a second employer as a full-time employee. | Confirm the exact relationship before relying on an existing score. |
Renewal, Late Fees and the 90-Day Lapse Rule
A contractor license that is not renewed by its renewal date lapses. The licensee remains responsible even when a reminder notice is delayed or not received.
| Timing | Fee or consequence | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Before expiration | Standard $90 renewal for most licensees. | Renew early and verify the new expiration date. |
| 1–15 days late | The license has lapsed, although the additional $25 rule has not yet been triggered. | Renew immediately and do not rely on lapsed status. |
| More than 15 days late | $90 renewal plus the $25 penalty for most licensees. | Submit promptly and wait for active confirmation. |
| 90 days or more late | The statute generally prohibits ordinary renewal, subject to the stated state-agency-dispute exception. | Contact the Board about the required new-license or reinstatement route. |
Renewal readiness checklist
- Confirm the live expiration date.
- Verify every required qualifier remains connected.
- Update legal business and contact information.
- Maintain workers’ compensation and unemployment compliance.
- Resolve tax or wage-bond issues where applicable.
- Keep proof of payment and submission.
- Recheck the public database after processing.
HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Manufactured Housing
A contractor classification authorizes the business. Individual technicians, plumbers or electricians can need separate credentials to personally perform regulated work.
| Work | Business requirement | Individual or added requirement |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC | Contractor license with a classification covering HVAC when the undertaking reaches the applicable threshold. | Every person performing HVAC work generally needs HVAC Technician, Residential Technician or Technician-in-Training status. |
| Plumbing | Contractor license with the Plumbing classification when the project reaches the applicable threshold. | Every person performing plumbing work generally needs Master, Journeyman or Plumber-in-Training certification. |
| Electrical | Electrical contractor classification when covered work reaches the threshold. | Applicable electrician licensing through the West Virginia State Fire Marshal. |
| Manufactured housing | Manufactured Home Installation contractor classification. | Board of Manufactured Housing licensing, installation and recovery-fund rules may also apply. |
| Local permits | Valid contractor license or lawful exemption. | City or county building, zoning, inspection and local business-registration requirements. |
HVAC supervision limits
An HVAC Technician or Residential Technician may supervise no more than four Technicians in Training on a residential project and no more than two on a commercial project.
Homeowner and Project-Owner Checklist
License verification is the first checkpoint, not the final hiring decision. Complete the contract, insurance, permit, reference and payment checks as well.
Verify before signing
- Active contractor license.
- Exact legal entity match.
- Correct classifications.
- Current expiration date.
- Required technician or plumber certifications.
- Recent project references.
- Insurance confirmed with the issuing agent.
- Permit responsibility written into the agreement.
Stop and investigate when
- The contractor proposes using another company’s license.
- The payment recipient differs from the licensee.
- The project is divided to avoid a threshold.
- The license expires before work is expected to start.
- The contractor refuses a signed written agreement.
- A large cash deposit is demanded without protection.
- The homeowner is asked to pull a permit to avoid licensing.
- Trade credentials cannot be verified.
Payment and lien-risk protections
- Keep the initial payment reasonable for the actual materials and mobilization.
- Tie progress payments to completed, visible work.
- Require written change orders before paying added amounts.
- Request supplier and subcontractor payment evidence when appropriate.
- Hold final payment until inspections, punch-list work and contract documents are complete.
- Consider conditional and final lien releases for larger projects.
Report Unlicensed Work or a License Problem
The correct route depends on whether the issue involves unlicensed contracting, a classification mismatch, an individual trade credential, a local permit or a private payment and workmanship dispute.
| Problem | Starting route | Evidence to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Unlicensed contractor | Contact the Division of Labor Licensing Section for the current contractor-investigation procedure. | Business names, project address, bid, contract, advertisements, payments and photographs. |
| Wrong classification or license misuse | Contractor Licensing Board or Licensing Section. | Live license record, project scope, permit, bid and communications. |
| Uncertified HVAC technician or plumber | Relevant Division of Labor certification program. | Worker name, employer, claimed credential and jobsite details. |
| Electrical credential | West Virginia State Fire Marshal licensing division. | Electrician name, employer, project and credential claim. |
| Permit or code violation | City or county inspection department. | Permit number, failed inspection, correction notice and plans. |
| Refund, damages or incomplete work | Written demand, consumer-protection route or private legal advice. | Agreement, changes, payments, photographs, expert findings and repair estimates. |
Prepare a concise investigation packet
- Your full name and reliable contact information.
- Contractor’s legal and trade names.
- License or certification number when known.
- Project address and county.
- Complete contract and change orders.
- Invoices, payments and receipts.
- Dated photographs and communications.
- Permit and inspection information.
- A chronological explanation of the suspected violation.
Penalties do not automatically reimburse the owner
Licensing enforcement can lead to administrative or criminal consequences, but it does not automatically produce repairs, a refund or a private contract judgment. Preserve separate civil remedies and filing deadlines.
West Virginia Contractor Licensing Contact Help
Prepare the legal entity, qualifier, classifications and application or license number before contacting staff.
General licensing
Classifications and exams
ProV testing
Use ProV for scheduling and test-delivery questions.
Mailing and physical address
West Virginia Division of Labor
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
State Capitol Complex
Building 3, Room 200
Charleston, WV 25305
Information to have ready
- Exact legal entity and any DBA.
- License, application or qualifier number.
- Qualifier name and relationship.
- Requested classifications.
- Completed exam names and scores.
- Workers’ compensation and unemployment status.
- Exact portal, form or renewal problem.
- One concise question for staff.
Common West Virginia Licensing Errors
Counting only labor
The undertaking includes the labor and materials needed to complete the connected project.
Letting ProV choose the classification
ProV administers tests but cannot determine the correct contractor license scope.
Using another entity’s license
The exact company bidding, contracting and receiving payment must hold the license.
No written agreement at $10,000
The written-contract trigger is separate from the residential and commercial license thresholds.
Ignoring a departed qualifier
The entity generally has only 45 calendar days to name a replacement.
Waiting past 90 days
A license lapsed for at least 90 days generally cannot use ordinary renewal.
West Virginia Contractor Licensing FAQs
What is the official West Virginia contractor licensing agency?
The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board oversees contractor licensing with administrative and enforcement support from the West Virginia Division of Labor.
When is a West Virginia contractor license required?
A license is generally required when a residential undertaking reaches $5,000 or more or a commercial undertaking reaches $25,000 or more, subject to statutory exemptions.
How do I verify a West Virginia contractor license?
Use the official contractor search linked by the Division of Labor. Compare the legal business, active status, expiration date and classifications with the bid and contract.
When does West Virginia require a written construction contract?
A licensed contractor performing covered contracting work valued at $10,000 or more, including labor and materials, must use a written agreement signed by the licensee and customer.
How much does a West Virginia contractor license cost?
The standard annual fee is $90. A qualifying electrical-only sole proprietor may pay $20, a duplicate license may cost $10 and a renewal more than 15 days late carries an additional $25 penalty.
What contractor examinations are required?
Applicants generally pass the Contractor Licensing Act examination and every applicable classification examination with a score of at least 70%.
How much does each ProV contractor exam cost?
The current West Virginia candidate bulletin lists each first attempt or retake at $59.95.
What happens when a qualifier leaves the business?
The entity generally must name a replacement qualifier within 45 calendar days after notice of the separation. Failure to do so can affect the classification or license status.
How long is a West Virginia contractor license valid?
The license operates on a one-year cycle. A license not renewed by its renewal date lapses, and a lapse of 90 days or more generally prevents ordinary renewal.
Does a contractor-license complaint guarantee repairs or a refund?
No. Licensing enforcement can address unlicensed activity, classification violations or license misuse, but it does not automatically order repairs, reimbursement or a private contract judgment.
Verify the Business, Scope and Status
Homeowners should verify the exact entity, active status, classifications, trade credentials and written agreement before paying. Applicants should confirm the scope, qualifier and examination route before spending money on tests or submitting forms.