Handyman License Requirements in Alexandria, VA
Alexandria-based handyman: obtain City of Alexandria business license (BPOL) from Finance Dept. Business Tax (301 King St, Rm 1700, 703.746.4800), https://www.alexandriava.gov/taxes/business-license-tax. No tax below $100,000 estimated gross receipts, $50 minimum $100,000-$1,999,999; renew by March 1. Must show DPOR contractor license (where required) and workers' comp certification. Contractors based elsewhere in Virginia need the Alexandria license only once Alexandria gross receipts exceed $25,000 in a year.
Alexandria requirements
Alexandria-based handyman: obtain City of Alexandria business license (BPOL) from Finance Dept. Business Tax (301 King St, Rm 1700, 703.746.4800), https://www.alexandriava.gov/taxes/business-license-tax. No tax below $100,000 estimated gross receipts, $50 minimum $100,000-$1,999,999; renew by March 1. Must show DPOR contractor license (where required) and workers' comp certification. Contractors based elsewhere in Virginia need the Alexandria license only once Alexandria gross receipts exceed $25,000 in a year.
Source link: alexandriava.gov · alexandriava.gov · alexandriava.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Local business license
Required
- Name: City of Alexandria Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) / Business License Tax
- Office: City of Alexandria Finance Dept., Business Tax, Tax Services, 301 King St Room 1700; 703.746.4800; businesstax@alexandriava.gov; portal businesstaxportal.alexandriava.gov
- Fee: No tax if gross receipts under $100,000 (must still register/obtain license); $50 minimum tax for $100,000-$1,999,999; percentage rate at $2,000,000+. Renewal due March 1; new businesses file immediately.
"In the first year of operation: A business has no tax liability if its estimated gross receipts are less than $100,000 per year. However, the business must still register with the Permit Center. The minimum annual license tax is $50 for businesses with estimated gross receipts between $100,000 and $1,999,999. Contractors section: 'Every person who maintains a definite place of business in the city and engages in the "
Source: alexandriava.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
None found on official sources
- Name: No separate city contractor license; to get the city business license contractors must show a Virginia DPOR State Contractors License and a workers' compensation certification form; building permits through the City (Permit Center)
- Trigger: Out-of-city VA contractors: city license tax only if > $25,000 gross receipts from Alexandria work in a year
"Contractors are required to provide the following: State Contractors License"
Source: alexandriava.gov · checked November 2, 2026
County: None - Alexandria is an independent city
The Virginia rule
Regulator: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) - Board for Contractors (contractor and tradesman licensing)
Va. Code 54.1-1100: Class C contractors perform work when 'the total value referred to in a single contract or project is over $1,000 but less than $30,000' (or annual total under $250,000). So a job of $1,000 or less total value needs no contractor license ('at or below $1,000' is unlicensed; over $1,000 requires Class C). 'Value' means fair market value; the contract price is prima facie evidence of value - i.e., total contract value incl. materials. Note: the $1,000 floor is cumulative-test free per job, but the Class C definition also includes the annual 12-month aggregate test.
What counts toward it: labor+materials
""Class C contractors" perform or manage construction, removal, repair, or improvements when (i) the total value referred to in a single contract or project is over $1,000 but less than $30,000, or (ii) the total value of all such construction, removal, repair, or improvements undertaken by such person within any 12-month period is less than $250,000."
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · dpor.virginia.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
No separate state registration tier; Class C license required for single contracts over $1,000 and under $30,000 (or annual volume under $250,000); Class B for $30,000-<$150,000 per contract or $250,000-<$1M/yr; Class A $150,000+ per contract or $1M+/yr. Licensed residential contractors must give consumers the DPOR Statement of Consumer Protections (revised 4/29/2025, effective 7/1/2025). Subcontract exemption: 54.1-1101(A)(15) exempts work 'valued at $25,000 or less per project on behalf of a properly licensed contractor' holding RBC, CBC or HIC classification (except work needing an individual trade license). Effective July 1, 2026 DPOR adds a $7.25/yr Technology Fee to certain fees (2026 HB 30).
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · law.lis.virginia.gov · dpor.virginia.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Insurance and bond
No state general-liability insurance or bond amount found for Class C licensees in reviewed statutes; consumer protection is via the Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (2025 amendments raised per-claim cap from $20,000 to $30,000 and biennial aggregate per contractor from $40,000 to $100,000).
Source: dpor.virginia.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Virginia
State filing fee: $100.
Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Virginia rule and confirm with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) - Board for Contractors (contractor and tradesman licensing).
- Line up the Alexandria items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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