How do I check a general contractor license in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board keeps the record for general contractors in West Virginia. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.

How much does a general contractor license cost in West Virginia?

Annual contractor license fee of $90, paid at application. Annual renewal fee of $90. Late renewal penalty of $25 when renewal arrives more than 15 days after expiration. Duplicate license fee of $10.

How often does a general contractor license renew in West Virginia?

Contractor license expires one year after it is issued and is renewed annually.

How to get a general contractor license in West Virginia

Edited by John Voll. Last verified October 6, 2026.

West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board licenses general contractors in West Virginia. Contractor license needed when the job costs $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work.

Who licenses general contractor work in West Virginia

Credential	State license
Board	West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board official statement
Official lookup	Search general contractor licenses
When a license is needed	Contractor license needed when the job costs $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work. source
License types	General building contractor, General engineering contractor, Residential contractor, Multifamily contractor, Remodeling and repair contractor, Specialty contractor

How to get licensed

Apply to West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board for a credential such as General building contractor, General engineering contractor or Residential contractor.
Board page
Written exam in the general building, residential or other selected classification plus the West Virginia business and law exam, passing score 70% on each. source
Carry proof of workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage for all employees working in West Virginia. source
Pay the annual contractor license fee of $90, paid at application: $90. source
Contractor license expires one year after it is issued and is renewed annually. source

General contractor requirements in West Virginia

General contractor: exam, experience, bond, insurance, renewal and feesSources checked May 4, 2026
Exam	Written exam in the general building, residential or other selected classification plus the West Virginia business and law exam, passing score 70% on each. source
Experience	No experience requirement for the contractor license found on an official source.
Bond	No contractor license bond found on an official source.
Insurance	Proof of workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage for all employees working in West Virginia. source (checked October 6, 2026)
Renewal	Contractor license expires one year after it is issued and is renewed annually. source (checked October 6, 2026)
Reciprocity	No full reciprocity: applicants licensed under the Universal Licensing Act take only the West Virginia business and law exam, and the board may review other states' exam score report. source
Fees	Annual contractor license fee of $90, paid at application. source Annual renewal fee of $90. source Late renewal penalty of $25 when renewal arrives more than 15 days after expiration. source Duplicate license fee of $10. source Exam fees are charged per classification exam by the board's testing vendor; amount not found on an official source.

Hiring a general contractor?

See every official lookup in West Virginia, which board covers which trade, and what to check before you hire.

How to verify a contractor license in West Virginia

Questions

Do you need a general contractor license in West Virginia?: West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board licenses general contractors in West Virginia. Contractor license needed when the job costs $5,000 or more for residential work or $25,000 or more for commercial work.
How do I check a general contractor license in West Virginia?: The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board keeps the record for general contractors in West Virginia. Use the official lookup on this page, and treat the board's own record as final.
How much does a general contractor license cost in West Virginia?: Annual contractor license fee of $90, paid at application. Annual renewal fee of $90. Late renewal penalty of $25 when renewal arrives more than 15 days after expiration. Duplicate license fee of $10.
How often does a general contractor license renew in West Virginia?: Contractor license expires one year after it is issued and is renewed annually.

Other trades in West Virginia

General contractor license in other states

Sources

This is not a government site. The licensing board's own record governs; always confirm on the official lookup. Information as of October 6, 2026.