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Handyman License Requirements in Salem, VA

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Virginia rules checked November 3, 2026 · Salem local rules checked November 2, 2026

Salem BPOL is issued by the Commissioner of the Revenue (114 N Broad St, 540-375-3019) under Salem Code 22-4.1; new businesses within 30 days, renew by March 1; contractors must hold a valid Salem business license to get a building permit. https://www.salemva.gov/188/Business-Tax ; https://salemva.gov/170/Permits

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Salem requirements

Salem BPOL is issued by the Commissioner of the Revenue (114 N Broad St, 540-375-3019) under Salem Code 22-4.1; new businesses within 30 days, renew by March 1; contractors must hold a valid Salem business license to get a building permit. https://www.salemva.gov/188/Business-Tax ; https://salemva.gov/170/Permits

Source link: salemva.gov · salemva.gov · salemva.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Local business license

Depends

  • Name: City of Salem Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL)
  • Applies when: CONDITIONAL
  • Office: City of Salem Commissioner of the Revenue, 114 N Broad St, (540) 375-3019, businesstax@salemva.gov
  • Fee: Mostly gross-receipts based; renew by March 1 (rates in city Business License Fees PDF, not captured)
"Every person or corporate entity engaging in business in Salem must obtain a business license per Salem Code SEC. 22-4.1 ... New businesses must obtain a license within 30 days of commencing operation in the City."

Source: salemva.gov · checked November 2, 2026

Local contractor or handyman license

None found on official sources

  • Name: No separate city contractor license; Salem requires contractors to have a valid City business license to obtain a permit
  • Trigger: Any permit
"Contractors must have a valid business license in order to obtain a permit. Please contact the City of Salem Commissioner of the Revenue for license requirements at 540-375-3019."

Source: salemva.gov · checked November 2, 2026

County: None - independent city

The Virginia rule

Regulator: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) - Board for Contractors (contractor and tradesman licensing)

$1,000
Virginia job-size figure

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

  1. Read the Virginia rule and confirm with Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) - Board for Contractors (contractor and tradesman licensing).
  2. Line up the Salem items listed on this page.
  3. 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.