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Virginia licensing

Do I need a subdivision license in Virginia?

No. Virginia does not require a state-level subdivision license.

State Laws

Virginia licensing laws

10 verticals covered for Virginia

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 10 regulated activities in Virginia: Virginia Subdivision Bond Requirements, Virginia Contractor License Bond Requirements, Virginia Auctioneer Bond Requirements, Virginia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Virginia Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Virginia Notary Bond Requirements, Virginia Charitable Solicitation Registration, Virginia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing, and Virginia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Virginia calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Virginia runs through Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Virginia, Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR), Virginia Auctioneers Board (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation), Virginia Attorney General (consumer protection), Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs, and Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions. 6 of the 10 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Surety Bonds can prepare and submit the Virginia filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

subdivision

Virginia Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Virginia: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Virginia jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under Va. Code § 15.2-2241, so two projects in different Virginia jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Subdivision ordinance performance guarantees (Va. Code § 15.2-2241) . Requires local subdivision ordinances to provide for performance guarantees securing construction of the required public improvements.

contractor license

Virginia Contractor License Bond Requirements

Whether Virginia requires a contractor license bond, what the state's contractor licensing rules actually require, and which bonds Virginia contractors still need: project bid, performance, and payment bonds plus any city or county license bonds.

Application process

There is no statewide contractor license bond to file in Virginia. Virginia licenses contractors by class and uses a recovery fund in place of a license bond. Contractors still encounter surety bonds at the project level (bid, performance, and payment bonds on public and many private jobs) and through city or county contractor licensing programs that require their own bonds.

Renewals

With no statewide license bond, there is nothing to renew at the state level in Virginia. Keep any local license or permit bonds and project bonds current under their own terms.

Cities and counties in Virginia can require their own contractor license or permit bonds even though the state does not. Confirm current requirements with Virginia Board for Contractors (DPOR) and the local jurisdiction before bidding.

Key statutes

  • Contractor licensing law (Va. Code § 54.1-1100 et seq.) . Virginia's contractor licensing chapter pairs licensure with the recovery fund; a surety bond is not a condition of the license.

auctioneer

Virginia Auctioneer Bond Requirements

Virginia requires a $10,000 auctioneer bond under Va. Code Ann. tit. 54.1, ch. 6, filed with the Virginia Auctioneers Board (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation).

Application process

Apply for or renew your auctioneer license with the Virginia Auctioneers Board (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) and file a $10,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond renews alongside the underlying auctioneer license.

Key statutes

  • Virginia auctioneer licensing statutes (Va. Code Ann. tit. 54.1, ch. 6) . Statutory basis for the Virginia auctioneer bond requirement.

debt collection

Virginia Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Virginia does not require a state-level license for third-party debt collection. Collectors in Virginia must still follow the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). They must also follow any consumer-protection statutes the state Attorney General enforces.

Application process

No state-level debt collection license is required in Virginia. Check for any local or municipal registration rules. Review your obligations under the federal FDCPA.

Renewals

No state license means no renewal cycle applies. Keep your practices FDCPA-compliant. Watch for any future state licensing legislation.

Virginia relies on the federal FDCPA and the state Attorney General's consumer-protection authority. It has no stand-alone licensing regime. Confirm this exemption before you rely on it.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692) . Federal framework governing third-party debt collection nationwide.

credit services

Virginia Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

Virginia requires a 100× the standard fee ($5,000 min, $50,000 max) credit services organization bond under Va. Code Ann. §§ 59.1-335.1 to 59.1-335.12, filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Bond equals 100 times the standard credit services fee, within the statutory band.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and file a 100× the standard fee ($5,000 min, $50,000 max) surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the credit services organization registration term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Bond equals 100 times the standard credit services fee, within the statutory band.

Key statutes

  • Virginia Credit Services Businesses Act (Va. Code Ann. §§ 59.1-335.1 to 59.1-335.12) . Statutory basis for the Virginia credit services organization bond requirement.

auto dealer

Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Virginia requires a $50,000 motor vehicle dealer bond under Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1527.2, filed with the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board and file a $50,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Virginia dealer bond statute (Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1527.2) . Statutory basis for the Virginia motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

notary

Virginia Notary Bond Requirements

Virginia does not require a surety bond to hold a notary public commission. Requirements can change; confirm with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application process

No notary bond filing applies in Virginia. Complete the standard notary public commission process with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Renewals

No bond means no bond renewal cycle in Virginia. Keep the underlying notary public commission current with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Key statutes

  • Virginia notary statutes (Va. Code Ann. § 47.1-1 et seq.) . Governing law confirming Virginia does not condition the notary public commission on a surety bond.

charitable registration

Virginia Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Virginia: who must register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs before asking Virginia residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs before soliciting contributions in Virginia, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Virginia residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in Virginia renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Virginia before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Virginia permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • Virginia charitable solicitation law (VA charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs before soliciting contributions in Virginia, subject to statutory exemptions.

money transmitter

Virginia Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Virginia. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Virginia.

Virginia money transmitter requirements at a glance

Virginia money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $25,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Virginia, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions, provide a surety bond of $25,000-$500,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Virginia generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Virginia are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Virginia may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

mortgage

Virginia Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Virginia. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Virginia.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Virginia mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Virginia-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Virginia are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Virginia-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Virginia are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Virginia participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

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State Laws

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Bonds and insurance in Virginia

Where Virginia conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Virginia regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

Planning tools and data

Scope a Virginia expansion before you file.

Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action Virginia state legislature and state financial regulator VA Jul 5, 2026

    Virginia full MTMA implementation becomes effective

    Virginia's full implementation of the Money Transmission Modernization Act became effective on July 1, 2026. The change places Virginia among the states adopting more standardized money transmission rules on capital, surety bond, and permissible investments.

  • Action Virginia General Assembly and Virginia regulators VA Jun 5, 2026

    Virginia money transmission law takes effect July 1, 2026

    Virginia's new money transmission statute is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will require a license to engage in money transmission under the new chapter. Proposed regulations published May 4, 2026 address tangible net worth, surety bonds, and alternative security devices.

  • Action Virginia General Assembly Code / State Licensing Framework VA May 27, 2026

    Virginia Money Transmitter Licensing Chapter with NMLS-Based Consistent State Licensing

    Virginia's new money transmitter chapter was visible during the May 13 to May 27, 2026 period with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The law requires a license to engage in money transmission or hold out as a money transmitter, subject to exemptions, and adds a consistent state licensing provision allowing use of NMLS for applications, control changes, bonding, reporting, fee processing, background checks, and examinations.

  • Action CSBS May 7, 2026

    CSBS MTMA guidance on stablecoins and lease accounting

    On April 23, 2026, CSBS issued Money Transmission Modernization Act implementation guidance covering stablecoins and right-of-use leases. The guidance is meant to support consistent state treatment of tangible net worth, permissible investments, and surety bond calculations.