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West Virginia contractor license renewal rules

Full rule details
Verified dataLast checked Oct 17, 2026, next review due July 2027

Informational: verify with the issuing board.

Track my West Virginia licensesHow reminders work
License types
14
Licensing boards
4
Trades
6
Printable renewal checklistCheck a renewal deadline

Renewal guides by trade

Continuing education by trade

Electrical3 license types

Electrical Contractor

ELEC · State license · WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Contractor license expires 12 months after the date of issuance; the expiration date is printed on the license. The Board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. Renew online through the Board account portal (credit card) or by mailing the renewal form with the $90 fee.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after the expiration date before the $25 late fee applies.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $90
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after the expiration date, in addition to the about $90 fee (28CSR2 5.5; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by the renewal date lapses, and a license lapsed for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (W. Va. Code 30-42-13); the Board requires a new application, and grandfathered licenses lapsed more than 90 days may require passing exams.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (WV Insurance Commissioner / Workforce WV) are required for entities with employees working in WV, and must be in good standing at renewal; out-of-state firms with no WV-resident employees send their home-state workers' compensation certificate and latest quarterly unemployment report. The Board's application guide also lists general liability insurance as a pre-application item; no minimum amount is published. A wage bond status affidavit is required with the application; employers doing construction work may have to post a wage bond equal to four weeks of gross payroll plus 15% (W. Va. Code 21-5-14), unless exempt (e.g., 1+ year of WV work, 5+ years in business elsewhere, or $100,000+ in assets).
Notes

Business-level license in the Electrical classification. A sole proprietor engaged only in electrical contracting who holds a valid electrician license pays $20 instead of $90 (28CSR2 5.4; Division fee schedule). Individual electricians are separately licensed by the State Fire Marshal. Fee shown is the standard $90.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (15)

Journeyman Electrician

JOURNEYMAN · State license · WV Office of the State Fire Marshal

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-2191
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
All electrician licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal expire June 30 each year; renewal may be paid annually or for up to three years at $50 per year (W. Va. CSR 103-5-7).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
None for work; license may be renewed late within the licensure year with $50 penalty.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)If not renewed on time, may renew within the licensure year by paying the about $50 license fee plus a $50 penalty. No electrical work may be performed while expired.
Reinstatement
Former licensee may renew without retesting within five years of last renewal if license was not revoked, paying double the current fee (about $100).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Same renewal terms as Master Electrician. The State Fire Marshal online license portal handles applications and renewals for electricians.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (3)

Master Electrician

MASTER · State license · WV Office of the State Fire Marshal

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-2191
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
All electrician licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal expire June 30 each year; renewal may be paid annually or for up to three years at $50 per year (W. Va. CSR 103-5-7).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
None for work; license may be renewed late within the licensure year with $50 penalty.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)If not renewed on time, may renew within the licensure year by paying the about $50 license fee plus a $50 penalty. No electrical work may be performed while expired.
Reinstatement
Former licensee may renew without retesting within five years of last renewal if license was not revoked, paying double the current fee (about $100).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Specialty electrician licenses (HVAC, sign, single-family dwelling, elevator, low voltage) are also $50/yr. Contractor license fee for a sole proprietor electrical-only is $20. The State Fire Marshal online license portal handles applications and renewals for electricians.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (3)

General contractor2 license types

General Building Contractor

GEN-BLDG · State license · WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Contractor license expires 12 months after the date of issuance; the expiration date is printed on the license. The Board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. Renew online through the Board account portal (credit card) or by mailing the renewal form with the $90 fee.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after the expiration date before the $25 late fee applies.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $90
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after the expiration date, in addition to the about $90 fee (28CSR2 5.5; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by the renewal date lapses, and a license lapsed for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (W. Va. Code 30-42-13); the Board requires a new application, and grandfathered licenses lapsed more than 90 days may require passing exams.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (WV Insurance Commissioner / Workforce WV) are required for entities with employees working in WV, and must be in good standing at renewal; out-of-state firms with no WV-resident employees send their home-state workers' compensation certificate and latest quarterly unemployment report. The Board's application guide also lists general liability insurance as a pre-application item; no minimum amount is published. A wage bond status affidavit is required with the application; employers doing construction work may have to post a wage bond equal to four weeks of gross payroll plus 15% (W. Va. Code 21-5-14), unless exempt (e.g., 1+ year of WV work, 5+ years in business elsewhere, or $100,000+ in assets).
Notes

Also available: Residential, Multi-Family, General Engineering, Remodeling and Repair, and trade classifications, each at the same annual fee. A license is required when project cost (labor and materials) is $5,000+ residential or $25,000+ commercial (W. Va. Code 30-42-3). Cost is measured on the entire project, so small subcontracts on larger jobs still require a license.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (15)

Residential Contractor

RESID · State license · WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Contractor license expires 12 months after the date of issuance; the expiration date is printed on the license. The Board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. Renew online through the Board account portal (credit card) or by mailing the renewal form with the $90 fee.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after the expiration date before the $25 late fee applies.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $90
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after the expiration date, in addition to the about $90 fee (28CSR2 5.5; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by the renewal date lapses, and a license lapsed for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (W. Va. Code 30-42-13); the Board requires a new application, and grandfathered licenses lapsed more than 90 days may require passing exams.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (WV Insurance Commissioner / Workforce WV) are required for entities with employees working in WV, and must be in good standing at renewal; out-of-state firms with no WV-resident employees send their home-state workers' compensation certificate and latest quarterly unemployment report. The Board's application guide also lists general liability insurance as a pre-application item; no minimum amount is published. A wage bond status affidavit is required with the application; employers doing construction work may have to post a wage bond equal to four weeks of gross payroll plus 15% (W. Va. Code 21-5-14), unless exempt (e.g., 1+ year of WV work, 5+ years in business elsewhere, or $100,000+ in assets).
Notes

Limited to residential work; same fee and renewal terms. Project threshold: $5,000+ residential cost (W. Va. Code 30-42-3).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (15)

HVAC3 license types

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Cooling) Contractor

HVAC · State license · WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Contractor license expires 12 months after the date of issuance; the expiration date is printed on the license. The Board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. Renew online through the Board account portal (credit card) or by mailing the renewal form with the $90 fee.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after the expiration date before the $25 late fee applies.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $90
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after the expiration date, in addition to the about $90 fee (28CSR2 5.5; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by the renewal date lapses, and a license lapsed for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (W. Va. Code 30-42-13); the Board requires a new application, and grandfathered licenses lapsed more than 90 days may require passing exams.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (WV Insurance Commissioner / Workforce WV) are required for entities with employees working in WV, and must be in good standing at renewal; out-of-state firms with no WV-resident employees send their home-state workers' compensation certificate and latest quarterly unemployment report. The Board's application guide also lists general liability insurance as a pre-application item; no minimum amount is published. A wage bond status affidavit is required with the application; employers doing construction work may have to post a wage bond equal to four weeks of gross payroll plus 15% (W. Va. Code 21-5-14), unless exempt (e.g., 1+ year of WV work, 5+ years in business elsewhere, or $100,000+ in assets).
Notes

Business-level contractor license in the HVAC classification. Every person performing HVAC work must also hold an individual HVAC Technician certification (the technician fee is $0 for a person who holds an HVAC contractor license, 42CSR34 10.1). A contractor license is required for projects of $5,000+ residential or $25,000+ commercial (total project cost).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (15)

HVAC Residential Technician

HVAC-RT · State license · WV Division of Labor (HVAC / Plumbing licensing)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Valid up to one year; the expiration date is on the license card. The Division sends a renewal notice at least 45 days before expiration (42CSR34 6.5 and 7.4).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after expiration before late fee.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $50
Late fee
About $25 late fee if renewal is received/postmarked more than 15 days after expiration (42CSR34 10.4; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
A license expired for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (new application/exam required).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Limited to residential HVAC work. Fee is $50 per year for initial and renewal (42CSR34 10.2; Division HVAC technician fee page).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

HVAC Technician

HVAC-T · State license · WV Division of Labor (HVAC / Plumbing licensing)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Valid up to one year; the expiration date is on the license card. The Division sends a renewal notice at least 45 days before expiration (42CSR34 6.5 and 7.4).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after expiration before late fee.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $75
Late fee
About $25 late fee if renewal is received/postmarked more than 15 days after expiration (42CSR34 10.4; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
A license expired for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (new application/exam required).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Fee waived ($0) if applicant is licensed as an HVAC contractor under 30-42. Technician-in-training $25 also exists (apprentice-level, not separately listed).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Pest control2 license types

Commercial Pesticide Applicator (incl. structural pest control)

CA · State license · WV Department of Agriculture (Pesticide Regulatory Programs)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-2209
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
10 hours
Show CE rules20 continuing certification units (CCUs) = 10 hours (1 CCU = 30 minutes) in every certified category every 3 years, from WVDA-approved workshops (61CSR12A-7). Registered technicians need 4 CCUs (2 hours) per year before renewal.
Deadline rule
Commercial applicator license is renewed annually; the WVDA renewal period (WVPlants online system) is November 1 to April 1. Certification is valid 3 years, with 20 CCUs earned in that period for each category.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $20
Late fee
Check the official site for the fee.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Applicators must work for a licensed pesticide business. A late-renewal fee is not published by the Department; renew early in the window (opens November 1). Reciprocal commercial licenses are available to applicators certified in PA, MD, OH or VA ($20).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Licensed Pesticide Application Business

LPAB · State license · WV Department of Agriculture (Pesticide Regulatory Programs)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-2209
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Business license runs through December 31 of the year of issue (W. Va. Code 19-16A-7), or earlier if the required financial security expires sooner. WVDA lists the online renewal period (WVPlants) as November 1 to April 1, so renew early (from November 1) to avoid a gap.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
Not published, check with the board

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $60
Late fee
Check the official site for the fee.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Certificate of liability insurance required before issuance: $300,000 bodily injury/death and $100,000 property damage, plus workers' compensation and employers' liability coverage. No bond.
Notes

Required for businesses applying pesticides for hire (pest control and lawn care companies). A WV Business Registration certificate (State Tax Department) is also required with the application.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (4)

Plumbing3 license types

Journeyman Plumber

JOURNEYMAN · State license · WV Division of Labor (HVAC / Plumbing licensing)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Valid up to one year; the renewal date is on the certification card. The Division sends a renewal form about 45 days before it is due (Plumber FAQ; 42CSR32 6.3-6.4).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after expiration before late fee.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $75
Late fee
About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after expiration (42CSR32 9.3; Division fee page).
Reinstatement
A license expired for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (new application/exam required).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Same renewal terms as Master Plumber.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Master Plumber

MASTER · State license · WV Division of Labor (HVAC / Plumbing licensing)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Valid up to one year; the renewal date is on the certification card. The Division sends a renewal form about 45 days before it is due (Plumber FAQ; 42CSR32 6.3-6.4).
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after expiration before late fee.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $75
Late fee
About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after expiration (42CSR32 9.3; Division fee page).
Reinstatement
A license expired for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (new application/exam required).

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Not required
Notes

Plumber-in-training $25/yr (apprentice-level, not listed).

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (5)

Plumbing Contractor

PLUMB · State license · WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Contractor license expires 12 months after the date of issuance; the expiration date is printed on the license. The Board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. Renew online through the Board account portal (credit card) or by mailing the renewal form with the $90 fee.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after the expiration date before the $25 late fee applies.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $90
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after the expiration date, in addition to the about $90 fee (28CSR2 5.5; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by the renewal date lapses, and a license lapsed for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (W. Va. Code 30-42-13); the Board requires a new application, and grandfathered licenses lapsed more than 90 days may require passing exams.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (WV Insurance Commissioner / Workforce WV) are required for entities with employees working in WV, and must be in good standing at renewal; out-of-state firms with no WV-resident employees send their home-state workers' compensation certificate and latest quarterly unemployment report. The Board's application guide also lists general liability insurance as a pre-application item; no minimum amount is published. A wage bond status affidavit is required with the application; employers doing construction work may have to post a wage bond equal to four weeks of gross payroll plus 15% (W. Va. Code 21-5-14), unless exempt (e.g., 1+ year of WV work, 5+ years in business elsewhere, or $100,000+ in assets).
Notes

Business-level contractor license in the Plumbing classification (Master Plumber or Plumbing exam plus Business & Law). Every person performing plumbing work must also hold an individual plumber certification. A contractor license is required for projects of $5,000+ residential or $25,000+ commercial.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (15)

Roofing1 license type

Contractor License used for roofing work (Residential / Remodeling & Repair / General Building classification)

RESID-RR · State license · WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

Remind me before this expires
Renew on the official siteBoard phone: 304-558-7890
Renewal cycle
Every year
Continuing education
Not required
Deadline rule
Contractor license expires 12 months after the date of issuance; the expiration date is printed on the license. The Board mails a renewal notice about 45 days before expiration. Renew online through the Board account portal (credit card) or by mailing the renewal form with the $90 fee.
Show fees, grace period, bond and insurance
Grace period
15 days after the expiration date before the $25 late fee applies.

Fees, approximate

Renewal fee
About $90
Late fee
Show the details (amounts are approximate)About $25 late fee if the renewal is received or postmarked more than 15 days after the expiration date, in addition to the about $90 fee (28CSR2 5.5; Division fee schedule).
Reinstatement
Show the details (amounts are approximate)A license not renewed by the renewal date lapses, and a license lapsed for 90 days or more cannot be renewed (W. Va. Code 30-42-13); the Board requires a new application, and grandfathered licenses lapsed more than 90 days may require passing exams.

Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.

Why approximate?

Boards change fees often and some charge extra processing fees. We show a recent amount so you can plan.

Bond
Not required
Insurance
Workers' compensation and unemployment compensation coverage (WV Insurance Commissioner / Workforce WV) are required for entities with employees working in WV, and must be in good standing at renewal; out-of-state firms with no WV-resident employees send their home-state workers' compensation certificate and latest quarterly unemployment report. The Board's application guide also lists general liability insurance as a pre-application item; no minimum amount is published. A wage bond status affidavit is required with the application; employers doing construction work may have to post a wage bond equal to four weeks of gross payroll plus 15% (W. Va. Code 21-5-14), unless exempt (e.g., 1+ year of WV work, 5+ years in business elsewhere, or $100,000+ in assets).
Notes

West Virginia has no separate roofing classification. Roofing contractors are licensed under an applicable classification such as Residential, Remodeling and Repair (projects up to $40,000), or General Building. A license is required once a project's total cost (labor and materials) reaches $5,000 residential or $25,000 commercial (W. Va. Code 30-42-3); the threshold applies to the entire project, not individual subcontracts. Contact [email protected] to confirm the right classification for your scope.

Confidence: HighConfirmed from official rule textLast checked Oct 17, 2026
Sources (16)

Licensing boards

WV Contractor Licensing Board (Division of Labor)

WV Department of Agriculture (Pesticide Regulatory Programs)

WV Division of Labor (HVAC / Plumbing licensing)

WV Office of the State Fire Marshal

Sources

Spot something out of date?

Informational only. Check it with the issuing board. Licensing rules, deadlines and CE requirements change, fee amounts are approximate, and this page can be out of date. It is not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with any state board. Read the disclaimer.

This information is here to help you plan, not to replace the board. Fee amounts are approximate and may be out of date. Deadlines and continuing education rules change too, sometimes without much notice. Always confirm with your licensing board and its official site before you rely on a date or an amount. This is not legal advice.

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