{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-1115.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-1115.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-1115.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-1115.html"}],"law_id":65513,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65513,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 54-142; 1956, c. 397; 1970, c. 319; 1980, c. 634; 1985, c. 356; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 911; 1994, c. 79; 1995, c. 771; 1998, c. 691; 2000, c. 33; 2003, cc. 429, 430; 2004, c. 131; 2008, c. 294; 2018, cc. 43, 653.","full_text":"A\n\nThe following acts are prohibited and shall constitute the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor:1\n\nContracting for, or bidding upon the construction, removal, repair or improvements to or upon real property owned, controlled or leased by another person without a license or certificate, or without the proper class of license as defined in § 54.1-1100 for the value of work to be performed.2\n\nAttempting to practice contracting in the Commonwealth, except as provided for in this chapter.3\n\nPresenting or attempting to use the license or certificate of another.4\n\nGiving false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or any member thereof in an application for the issuance or renewal of a license or certificate.5\n\nImpersonating another or using an expired or revoked license or certificate.6\n\nReceiving or considering as the awarding authority a bid from anyone whom the awarding authority knows is not properly licensed or certified under this chapter. The awarding authority shall require a bidder to submit his license or certificate number prior to considering a bid.B\n\nAny person who undertakes work without (i) any valid Virginia contractor’s license or certificate when a license or certificate is required by this chapter or (ii) the proper class of license as defined in § 54.1-1100 for the work undertaken, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 per day for each day that such person is in violation, in addition to the authorized penalties for the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation of clause (i) of this subsection shall also constitute a prohibited practice in accordance with § 59.1-200, provided that the violation involves a consumer transaction as defined in the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq.), and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.C\n\nA construction contract entered into by a person undertaking work without a valid Virginia contractor’s license shall not be enforceable by the unlicensed contractor undertaking the work unless the unlicensed contractor (i) gives substantial performance within the terms of the contract in good faith and (ii) did not have actual knowledge that a license or certificate was required by this chapter to perform the work for which he seeks to recover payment.\n\t\t\tFailure to renew a license or certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall create a rebuttable presumption of actual knowledge of such licensing or certification requirements.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":238198,"text":"The following acts are prohibited and shall constitute the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":238199,"text":"Contracting for, or bidding upon the construction, removal, repair or improvements to or upon real property owned, controlled or leased by another person without a license or certificate, or without the proper class of license as defined in § 54.1-1100 for the value of work to be performed.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":238200,"text":"Attempting to practice contracting in the Commonwealth, except as provided for in this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":238201,"text":"Presenting or attempting to use the license or certificate of another.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":238202,"text":"Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or any member thereof in an application for the issuance or renewal of a license or certificate.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":238203,"text":"Impersonating another or using an expired or revoked license or certificate.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":238204,"text":"Receiving or considering as the awarding authority a bid from anyone whom the awarding authority knows is not properly licensed or certified under this chapter. The awarding authority shall require a bidder to submit his license or certificate number prior to considering a bid.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"B"},"7":{"id":238205,"text":"Any person who undertakes work without (i) any valid Virginia contractor’s license or certificate when a license or certificate is required by this chapter or (ii) the proper class of license as defined in § 54.1-1100 for the work undertaken, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 per day for each day that such person is in violation, in addition to the authorized penalties for the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation of clause (i) of this subsection shall also constitute a prohibited practice in accordance with § 59.1-200, provided that the violation involves a consumer transaction as defined in the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq.), and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":238206,"text":"A construction contract entered into by a person undertaking work without a valid Virginia contractor’s license shall not be enforceable by the unlicensed contractor undertaking the work unless the unlicensed contractor (i) gives substantial performance within the terms of the contract in good faith and (ii) did not have actual knowledge that a license or certificate was required by this chapter to perform the work for which he seeks to recover payment.\n\t\t\tFailure to renew a license or certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall create a rebuttable presumption of actual knowledge of such licensing or certification requirements.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13904,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regulation of Contractors","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13234,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:14","permalink":{"id":239425,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13904,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1","url":"\/54.1\/II\/11\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13234,"edition_id":1,"name":"Contractors","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12755,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":239423,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13234,"identifier":"11","token":"54.1\/II\/11","url":"\/54.1\/II\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12755,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and Boards Within the Department","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12755,"identifier":"II","token":"54.1\/II","url":"\/54.1\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":85110,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-1100\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1100","metadata":false},{"id":75526,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1101","catch_line":"Exemptions; failure to obtain certificate of occupancy; penalties","url":"\/54.1-1101\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1101","metadata":false},{"id":66218,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1102","catch_line":"Board for Contractors membership; offices; meetings; seal; record","url":"\/54.1-1102\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1102","metadata":false},{"id":86599,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1103","catch_line":"Necessity for license; requirements for water well drillers and landscape irrigation contractors; exemption","url":"\/54.1-1103\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1103","metadata":false},{"id":83174,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1104","catch_line":"Register of applicants","url":"\/54.1-1104\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1104","metadata":false},{"id":66078,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1105","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1105\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1105","metadata":false},{"id":73647,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1106","catch_line":"Application for Class A license; fees; examination; issuance","url":"\/54.1-1106\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1106","metadata":false},{"id":64584,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1106.1","catch_line":"Violations of certain State Board of Health regulations; penalty","url":"\/54.1-1106.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1106.1","metadata":false},{"id":79645,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1106.2","catch_line":"Additional monetary penalty for certain violations","url":"\/54.1-1106.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1106.2","metadata":false},{"id":87025,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1107","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1107\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1107","metadata":false},{"id":66493,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1108","catch_line":"Application for Class B license; fees; examination; issuance","url":"\/54.1-1108\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1108","metadata":false},{"id":78802,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1108.1","catch_line":"Waiver of examination; designated employee; Board regulations","url":"\/54.1-1108.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1108.1","metadata":false},{"id":56186,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1108.2","catch_line":"Application for Class C license; fees; issuance","url":"\/54.1-1108.2\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1108.2","metadata":false},{"id":55508,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1109","catch_line":"Expiration and renewal of license or certificate","url":"\/54.1-1109\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1109","metadata":false},{"id":55942,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1110","catch_line":"Grounds for denial or revocation of license or certificate","url":"\/54.1-1110\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1110","metadata":false},{"id":65114,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1110.1","catch_line":"Re-examination of designated employee","url":"\/54.1-1110.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1110.1","metadata":false},{"id":60996,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1111","catch_line":"Prerequisites to obtaining business license; building, etc., permit","url":"\/54.1-1111\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1111","metadata":false},{"id":80354,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1112","catch_line":"Invitations to bid and specifications to refer to law","url":"\/54.1-1112\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1112","metadata":false},{"id":64465,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1113","catch_line":"Nonresident bidders to appoint statutory agent for service of process","url":"\/54.1-1113\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1113","metadata":false},{"id":54943,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1114","catch_line":"Filing and hearing of charges","url":"\/54.1-1114\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1114","metadata":false},{"id":65513,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","url":"\/54.1-1115\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115","metadata":false},{"id":81907,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115.01","catch_line":"Responsibility for contracting with persons lacking the proper credential","url":"\/54.1-1115.01\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115.01","metadata":false},{"id":77075,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115.1","catch_line":"Evidence of violation of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code","url":"\/54.1-1115.1\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115.1","metadata":false},{"id":57500,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1116","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-1116\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1116","metadata":false},{"id":59814,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1117","catch_line":"Licensing of certain contractors by localities; qualifications and procedure; registration of certain persons engaged in business of home improvement; civil penalty","url":"\/54.1-1117\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1117","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":54943,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1114","catch_line":"Filing and hearing of charges","url":"\/54.1-1114\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1114","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":81907,"structure_id":13904,"section_number":"54.1-1115.01","catch_line":"Responsibility for contracting with persons lacking the proper credential","url":"\/54.1-1115.01\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115.01","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-1115\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 14 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 397; in 1970, chapter 319; in 1980, chapter 634; in 1985, chapter 356; in 1988, chapter 765; in 1990, chapter 911; in 1994, chapter 79<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 771<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 691<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 33<\/a>; in 2003, chapters 429<\/a> and 430<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 131<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 294<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 43<\/a> and 653<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":82977,"section_number":"59.1-200","catch_line":"Prohibited practices","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-200\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":85110,"section_number":"54.1-1100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-1100\/"},{"id":56198,"section_number":"59.1-196","catch_line":"Title","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-196\/"},{"id":82977,"section_number":"59.1-200","catch_line":"Prohibited practices","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-200\/"}],"permalink":{"id":239507,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65513,"identifier":"54.1-1115","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115","url":"\/54.1-1115\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-1115\/","token":"54.1\/II\/11\/1\/54.1-1115","dublin_core":{"Title":"Prohibited acts","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-1115","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The following acts are prohibited and shall constitute the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Contracting for, or bidding upon the construction, removal, repair or improvements<\/span> to or upon real property owned, controlled or leased by another person<\/span> without a license or certificate, or without the proper class of license as defined in § 54.1-1100<\/a> for the value<\/span> of work to be performed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Attempting to practice contracting in the Commonwealth, except as provided for in this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Presenting or attempting to use the license or certificate of another. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Giving false or forged evidence<\/span> of any kind to the Board<\/span> or any member thereof in an application for the issuance or renewal of a license or certificate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Impersonating another or using an expired or revoked license or certificate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Receiving or considering as the awarding authority a bid from anyone whom the awarding authority knows is not properly licensed or certified under this chapter. The awarding authority shall require a bidder to submit his license or certificate number prior to considering a bid. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any person<\/span> who undertakes work without (i) any valid Virginia contractor<\/span>’s license or certificate when a license or certificate is required by this chapter or (ii) the proper class of license as defined in § 54.1-1100<\/a> for the work undertaken, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 per day for each day that such person<\/span> is in violation, in addition to the authorized penalties for the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. Any violation of clause (i) of this subsection shall also constitute a prohibited practice in accordance with § 59.1-200<\/a>, provided that the violation involves a consumer transaction as defined in the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196<\/a> et seq.), and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A construction contract<\/span> entered into by a person<\/span> undertaking work without a valid Virginia contractor<\/span>’s license shall not be enforceable by the unlicensed contractor<\/span> undertaking the work unless the unlicensed contractor<\/span> (i) gives substantial performance within the terms of the contract<\/span> in good faith and (ii) did not have actual knowledge that a license or certificate was required by this chapter to perform the work for which he seeks to recover payment.\n\t\t\tFailure to renew a license or certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall create a rebuttable presumption<\/span> of actual knowledge of such licensing or certification requirements. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPROHIBITED ACTS (\u00a7 54.1-1115)\n\nA. The following acts are prohibited and shall constitute the commission of a\nClass 1 misdemeanor:\n\n 1. Contracting for, or bidding upon the construction, removal, repair or\n improvements to or upon real property owned, controlled or leased by another\n person without a license or certificate, or without the proper class of\n license as defined in § 54.1-1100 for the value of work to be performed.\n\n 2. Attempting to practice contracting in the Commonwealth, except as provided\n for in this chapter.\n\n 3. Presenting or attempting to use the license or certificate of another.\n\n 4. Giving false or forged evidence of any kind to the Board or any member\n thereof in an application for the issuance or renewal of a license or\n certificate.\n\n 5. Impersonating another or using an expired or revoked license or\n certificate.\n\n 6. Receiving or considering as the awarding authority a bid from anyone whom\n the awarding authority knows is not properly licensed or certified under this\n chapter. The awarding authority shall require a bidder to submit his license\n or certificate number prior to considering a bid.\n\nB. Any person who undertakes work without (i) any valid Virginia\ncontractor’s license or certificate when a license or certificate is\nrequired by this chapter or (ii) the proper class of license as defined in\n§ 54.1-1100 for the work undertaken, shall be fined an amount not to exceed\n$500 per day for each day that such person is in violation, in addition to the\nauthorized penalties for the commission of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation\nof clause (i) of this subsection shall also constitute a prohibited practice in\naccordance with § 59.1-200, provided that the violation involves a consumer\ntransaction as defined in the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196\net seq.), and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of\nthe Virginia Consumer Protection Act.\n\nC. A construction contract entered into by a person undertaking work without a\nvalid Virginia contractor’s license shall not be enforceable by the\nunlicensed contractor undertaking the work unless the unlicensed contractor (i)\ngives substantial performance within the terms of the contract in good faith and\n(ii) did not have actual knowledge that a license or certificate was required by\nthis chapter to perform the work for which he seeks to recover payment.\n\t\t\tFailure to renew a license or certificate issued in accordance with this\nchapter shall create a rebuttable presumption of actual knowledge of such\nlicensing or certification requirements.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 54-142; 1956, c. 397; 1970, c. 319; 1980, c. 634; 1985,\nc. 356; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 911; 1994, c. 79; 1995, c. 771; 1998, c. 691;\n2000, c. 33; 2003, cc. 429, 430; 2004, c. 131; 2008, c. 294; 2018, cc. 43, 653.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}