West Virginia Contractor License Bond

Requirements for Various Contractors

While West Virginia doesn’t have a statewide licensing (and bonding) requirement for all contractors, various municipalities across the state may. Professionals that may need to undergo local licensing in West Virginia include home remodeling, electrical, plumbing, excavation, and landscaping contractors. Generally, contractor license bond requirements range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Requirements for General Building Contractors

General building contractors also have licensing and bonding requirements in WV. Here’s how the State of West Virginia defines a general building contractor: 

• A person whose principal business is in connection with any structures built, being built or to be built for the support, shelter, and enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or movable property of any kind, requiring in the construction the use of more than two contractor classifications
• Or a person who supervises the whole or any part of the construction

West Virginia regulates contractors and construction-related companies much like many other businesses in the state. The first step to getting your contractor’s license is registering your business with the West Virginia State Tax Department and the West Virginia Secretary of State.

You may also want to secure a wage bond – according to the West Virginia Division of Labor – to protect your business and clients. A wage bond is 115% of the payroll amount during your maximum capacity or highest production point. For example, if your payroll during maximum capacity is $10,000, you will add 15%, or $1,500, for a total bond amount of $11,500.

Contractor license bonds may also be required, depending on city and county laws.