Last Updated: April 2026 by the ZipBonds Team
Requirements are current as of April 2026 based on the Virginia Public Procurement Act and DPOR rules. Always verify requirements in project bid documents and with the awarding authority.
Construction bonds are required for most public projects in Virginia to protect project owners, subcontractors, and suppliers. If you’re bidding on public work or looking to grow your contract size, understanding Virginia’s bonding requirements is essential to getting approved and winning jobs.
Get bonded in Virginia quickly with ZipBonds — apply today to receive your bond capacity in minutes.
Quick Summary: Virginia Construction Bond Requirements
- Required for: Most public construction projects
- Threshold: Typically required for non-transportation public contracts over $500,000; certain Commonwealth-funded, transportation-related projects over $350,000 may also require bonds
- Bonds required: Bid bond (at bid), performance and payment bonds (at award)
- Bond amount: Usually 100% of the contract price
- Who needs them: General contractors on public projects
Virginia Construction Bond Requirements by Project Size
| Project Type | Are Bonds Required? | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Small public projects (< $500,000) | Sometimes | Depends on agency |
| Public projects ≥ $500,000 | Yes | Bid + Performance + Payment |
| Private projects | Usually no | May be contract-specific |
Bonding requirements in Virginia vary based on project size and whether the work is public or private.
What are construction bonds?
Construction bonds are financial guarantees required on public projects to ensure a contractor completes the work as agreed and pays all subcontractors and suppliers. If a contractor fails to meet their obligations, the bond protects the project owner and others involved.
Do you need a construction bond in Virginia?
You’ll typically need a construction bond in Virginia if:
- You’re bidding on a public construction project
- The contract exceeds the applicable state threshold ($500,000 for most non-transportation projects or $350,000 for qualifying transportation projects)
- You’re a general contractor awarded the job
- The project requires a bid bond at submission
- The contract requires performance and payment bonds before work begins
Most private construction projects do not require bonds unless specified in the contract.
Virginia Construction Bond Requirements (Legal Overview)
The Virginia Public Procurement Act (§2.2-4336 and §2.2-4337) governs Virginia’s public construction bonding requirements.
- Applies to most public construction contracts over $500,000.
- Requires a bid bond at the time of bid submission for applicable projects.
- Requires performance and payment bonds at 100% of the contract amount.
In simple terms: if you’re working on a qualifying public project in Virginia, you’ll need to be bonded before submitting a bid and before starting work.
What types of construction bonds are required in Virginia?
1. Bid Bond
You must submit a bid bond with your bid to guarantee you’ll accept the contract and provide the required bonds if awarded.
2. Performance Bond
A performance bond ensures the project is completed in accordance with the contract terms.
Apply for a Virginia Performance Bond
3. Payment Bond
A payment bond guarantees that subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers are paid as promised.
Apply for a Virginia Payment Bond
4. Virginia Contractor License Bond
Virginia does not require a universal statewide contractor license bond for every contractor. However, contractors applying for a Class A or Class B license through the Virginia Board for Contractors must demonstrate financial responsibility. Under Virginia law, that can be done either by meeting the required financial documentation standards or by filing a $50,000 surety bond with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) (Code of Virginia).
In general, Virginia contractor license classes are based on project size and annual volume (DPOR):
- Class A: $150,000 or more on a single contract OR $1 million or more in a 12-month period
- Class B: $30,000 or more, but less than $150,000, on a single contract OR $250,000 or more, but less than $1 million, in a 12-month period
- Class C: over $1,000 but less than $30,000 on a single contract OR no more than $250,000 in a 12-month period
These limits refer to the total value of labor and materials combined.
For Class A and Class B applicants, the $50,000 Virginia contractor surety bond is an alternative way to satisfy the state’s financial responsibility requirement. Class C contractors are generally not subject to this state-level bond option/requirement. Local cities and counties may still impose their own contractor license, permit, or registration bond requirements depending on the type of work and jurisdiction.
How much do Virginia construction bonds cost?
Construction bond costs in Virginia depend on:
- Project size (bond amount)
- Contractor financial strength
- Experience and track record
- Credit score
Typical Cost Range:
- 0.5%–3% of the total bond amount for well-qualified contractors
- Higher rates for new businesses, lower credit, or higher-risk projects
Example:
- $500,000 project → ~$2,500–$15,000 bond cost
Apply in minutes to get a fast, competitive quote from ZipBonds.
How to Get Your Construction Bond in Virginia
Getting bonded is simple with ZipBonds:
Step 1: Apply Online
Submit a short application with basic business and project details.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents (if needed)
For larger projects, you may need:
- Business financial statements
- Work-in-progress (WIP) schedule
- Project details and contract information
- Resume of completed projects
- Personal financials (for larger bonds)
Step 3: Get Approved
We approve many bonds within 24 hours — often the same day.
Step 4: Receive Your Bond
Once approved and paid, your bond is issued and ready for submission.
Construction Bonds in Major Virginia Cities
Construction Bonds in Richmond
Public projects generally follow Virginia state bonding requirements. Contractors can review current bid opportunities and requirements through the City of Richmond procurement portal.
Construction Bonds in Virginia Beach
Most municipal projects require bonding consistent with state law, and the details are outlined in procurement documents.
Construction Bonds in Norfolk
Contractors should review project-specific requirements, but most public work will require performance and payment bonds.
Common Reasons Construction Bonds Get Denied
Construction bond approvals depend on financial strength, experience, and project fit. Common reasons for delays or denials include:
- Limited financial history or weak financials
- Low credit score
- Taking on a project larger than past experience
- Incomplete or inaccurate application information
ZipBonds works with contractors to overcome these challenges, including hard-to-place bonds, and find the best available bonding options. Call us at (888) 435-4191 or email support@zipbonds.com to speak with an agent about your options.
What happens if someone files a claim on my bond?
If a contractor fails to meet contractual obligations or pay subcontractors, the project owner or affected parties may file a claim against the bond.
The surety will investigate the claim and may:
- Pay valid claims
- Arrange for project completion
- Seek reimbursement from the contractor
Claims are relatively rare among qualified contractors, but they highlight the importance of strong financials and project management.
FAQs About Virginia Construction Bonds
Yes, for most public construction projects that meet the state threshold requirements.
Public works projects typically over $500,000 (non-transportation) or $350,000 (certain transportation projects) require bid, performance, and payment bonds.
Most contractors pay between 0.5% and 3% of the bond amount.
Stronger credit helps secure lower rates, but many contractors can still get approved with less-than-perfect credit.
Yes, though rates may be higher depending on your financial profile.
Many bonds can be approved the same day, especially for smaller projects.
Usually no, unless required by the project owner or contract.
Typically, no — bonding requirements usually apply to general contractors.
Apply for a Construction Bond Today
Need a performance and payment bond for your next project? Gather essential information like your bid amount, bid date, business history, and credit score, and we’ll do the rest. Select your state below to begin our simple bonding process. Call (888) 435-4191 or email support@zipbonds.com to speak directly with an agent.
About ZipBonds.com
Founders Ryan Swalve and Zach Mefferd formed the vision for ZipBonds.com when they realized how overly complicated it was to help clients place surety. The frustration of being unable to incorporate the technology they’d used in other insurance-focused projects left them thinking “there has to be a better way.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and that better way is the impetus of everything we do at ZipBonds. We constantly look for innovative ways to improve the bonding process for our clients and agents. Our team comprises individuals who understand all angles of surety – for companies, agencies, and individuals. Incorporating everyone’s point of view to improve the process while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technology is what sets our business apart.