---
title: Virginia Certified Payroll: What Is Required | WellStanding
url: https://wellstanding.com/guides/virginia-certified-payroll/
description: Virginia has no weekly state certified payroll. See what DOLI requires after award, what VDOT requires every week, and where the 2026 portal study stands.
updated: 2026-11-05
type: guide
publisher: WellStanding Certified Payroll
---
# Virginia certified payroll: what the state requires and what VDOT requires

This page reads [Va. Code 2.2-4321.3](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) and [40.1-29](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-29/), [DOLI's prevailing wage page](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) and forms, [VDOT's AASHTOWare CRL page](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/) and [FAQ](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/FAQs_AWP-CRL-ACC.pdf), and DOLI's [work group notice](https://doli.virginia.gov/2026/08/30/certified-payroll-work-group-hb569-sb-518/), all read on November 4 and 5, 2026.

Last reviewed November 5, 2026 against the sources it cites

The short answer

Virginia's prevailing wage law requires no weekly certified payroll. On public works paid for in whole or in part by state funds, or by a locality with an ordinance, above $250,000, the contractor awarded the contract certifies a pay scale under oath for itself and its subs, each contractor and sub certifies wage posting within 10 days, and records are kept six years. VDOT separately requires weekly electronic payrolls on federally assisted construction contracts.

- Under [Va. Code 2.2-4321.3](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)(I), the contractor awarded a covered contract certifies under oath the pay scale for each craft, for itself and its subcontractors, and the statute asks for no weekly or periodic payroll submission.
- [Subsection (N)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) exempts a public contract of $250,000 or less, while [DOLI's contractor page](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) says total overall project cost more than $250,000, and coverage comes from B (state funds in whole or in part) or C (a locality with an ordinance, paying in whole or in part with its own funds).
- Each contractor and subcontractor must certify to the Commissioner within 10 days of posting the prevailing wage rates ([subsection L](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)), and records must be made available to DOLI within 10 days of a request ([subsection J](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)).
- [VDOT requires](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/) weekly electronic certified payrolls in AASHTOWare CRL on all federally assisted construction contracts, and disables an account that goes 30 days without a login.
- Paying below the prevailing wage makes a contractor liable for the wages plus 8 percent interest and disqualified from bidding on public contracts with any public body until restitution ([subsection F](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)).
- DOLI's meeting notices schedule Certified Payroll Work Group meetings for [September 3](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78334) and [September 22, 2026](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78550), and the Commissioner's report on a payroll portal is due no later than July 1, 2027.

## Does Virginia require certified payroll?

Virginia's prevailing wage law requires no weekly certified payroll. On covered public works above $250,000, [section 2.2-4321.3](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) asks the contractor awarded the contract for a sworn pay scale, each contractor and subcontractor for a posting certification, and each employer for payroll records kept six years. [VDOT](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/) separately requires weekly electronic payrolls on federally assisted construction contracts. A [2026 work group](https://doli.virginia.gov/2026/08/30/certified-payroll-work-group-hb569-sb-518/) is studying a state payroll portal, with a report [due by July 1, 2027](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78334).

For federal work, see our [WH-347 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/) and the [state comparison](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/).

## Which rule applies to your job

| Who owns the job | What you send | To whom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| State agency, work paid for in whole or in part by state funds, above $250,000 ([B, N](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)) | Sworn pay scale after award, posting certification, records on request | [DOLI](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) |
| Locality with an ordinance, work paid for in whole or in part by funds of the locality, above $250,000 ([C, N](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)) | The same state-law duties | DOLI |
| Covered institution, a public university under a management agreement ([D](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)) | The same duties, on contracts initiated after July 1, 2027 worth $5 million or more, paid for in whole or in part by state general funds or state general fund debt | DOLI |
| Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or Virginia Housing Development Authority (HDA) contracts "for the funding or financing of housing developments for low-income or moderate-income individuals under qualification criteria established by DHCD or HDA," and HDA contracts "paid for in whole or in part by funds other than state appropriated funds" ([E](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)) | "Shall not be subject to the requirements of this chapter" | Not applicable |
| VDOT federally assisted construction contract | Weekly electronic certified payroll. DOLI's duties may also apply if the job has state funds and is above $250,000, which is this page's reading of the text (see below). | VDOT, in [AWP CRL](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/); possibly DOLI as well |

## What the state law asks of you

[Subsection N](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) says the section does not apply to "any public contract for public works of $250,000 or less," so it tests the public contract. [DOLI's contractor page](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) says the law applies "when the total overall project cost is more than $250,000," and its summary says "valued at $250,000 or more." The sources do not resolve which figure a subcontract is measured against, so ask the contracting agency or DOLI whether a $100,000 subcontract under a $2 million prime contract is covered. Subsection A excludes work at a non-governmental property or facility used to provide broadband or other telecommunications services.

### 1. Pay scale certification, after award

Under [subsection I](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/), the contractor awarded the contract certifies the pay scale to the Commissioner under oath, for each craft or trade, covering its subcontractors: the total hourly amount, an itemization of wages and each benefit, and the name and address of any third party fund. The [DOLI form](https://doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pay-Scale-Certification-for-Public-Works-Projectsv2.pdf) or an equivalent works ([DOLI](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/)). Send it to prevailingwage@doli.virginia.gov or fax (804) 371-6524.

DOLI's form has a "Name of Contractor or Subcontractor" box, and DOLI's page says subcontractors "must be required to follow the certified pay scale." Neither source says whether DOLI expects a sub to submit its own form, so subs should ask the prime or DOLI. DOLI also does not say where to get the DOLI project number the form asks for; ask the contracting agency or DOLI.

### 2. Posting certification, within 10 days of posting

[Subsection L](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) has each contractor and subcontractor post the general prevailing wage rate for each craft, with the effective date of any change, at the site or where workers are paid, and certify that to the Commissioner within 10 days of posting. DOLI's [posting form](https://doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Posting-Compliance-Form.pdf) asks for the posting date and a sworn signature. Send it to the same email or fax.

### 3. Records, available in 10 days

Each employer keeps records of wages paid and hours worked by each worker, and a schedule of the occupation each holds each work day and week ([subsection J](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)), for at least six years. Records are due to DOLI within 10 days of a request, with a certification that they reflect actual hours and amounts paid.

## What happens when it goes wrong

| Problem | What the sources say |
| --- | --- |
| Paying below the prevailing wage | Wages plus 8 percent interest, disqualification from bidding on public contracts with any public body until full restitution, and a Class 1 misdemeanor if willful ([F](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/)). [DOLI's page](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) cites subsection D for this, which is F in the current statute. |
| A false statement on a certification | [DOLI's pay scale form](https://doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pay-Scale-Certification-for-Public-Works-Projectsv2.pdf) says falsifying its statements may subject the contractor to criminal prosecution and cites [40.1-51.4:2](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter4/section40.1-51.4:2/), which punishes a knowingly false statement in a document "filed or required to be maintained under this title" with a fine of up to $10,000, up to six months in jail, or both. That statute is in Title 40.1 while the pay scale certification comes from Title 2.2, so the fit is unclear. |
| Late posting certification or records | Subsections L and J name no penalty of their own. [Subsection F](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) ends, "A contractor or subcontractor who willfully violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor." That is the statute's own wording, in the subsection on underpayment. No source read shows an agency applying it to a late certification or records. Subsection O lets the Commissioner refer matters to the Attorney General under [40.1-29(G) or (N)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-29/). |

## VDOT federal-aid work: weekly payrolls in AASHTOWare CRL

[VDOT's page](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/), updated September 30, 2026, says primes and subcontractors must submit certified payrolls electronically every week in AASHTOWare Project Civil Rights and Labor (AWP CRL) on all federally assisted construction contracts. The [FAQ](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/FAQs_AWP-CRL-ACC.pdf) names Special Provision 107-000120-00, in all VDOT Construction Division contracts; Local Assistance bidders check the advertisement.

1. **Request access early.** Send the CRL External Access Request Form and VDOT ITD Security Form to crlms@vdot.virginia.gov, and [allow several days](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/). The FAQ makes primes responsible for their subs submitting.
2. **Keep the login alive.** After you get credentials, call the VITA Customer Care Center at 866-637-8482 to finish access (FAQ). Log in at least every 30 days or VDOT disables the account, and change the password every 90 days ([VDOT](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/)).
3. **Enter, attach, sign.** [Attach files before signing](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_4_Attachments.pdf), because a signed payroll is corrected by a modification, not edited ([guide 5](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_5_Sign.pdf), copyright 2020).
4. **Expect review.** If VDOT rejects a sub's payroll, the prime rejects it and the sub approves it with an explanation or creates a modification ([guide 7](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_7_Modify_Rejected.pdf)).

VDOT recommends that subs submit their own payrolls, but a prime may submit a proxy payroll for a sub, and the sub still signs ([guide 1C](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_1C_Entry_by_Prime_Proxy.pdf), copyright 2020). VDOT's AWP CRL page states no penalty for late payrolls, so read the special provision in your contract. Other DOTs: our [AASHTOWare CRL guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/aashtoware-civil-rights-labor-certified-payroll/).

Do DOLI's duties reach a VDOT job? [Subsection A](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) defines public works to include "transportation infrastructure projects," subsection B covers a state agency's contracts paid for "in whole or in part by state funds" with no exception for federal money, and [DOLI's page](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) applies the law where there is "any State funding." On this page's reading, a VDOT job above $250,000 with any state funds falls within DOLI's duties. VDOT's [civil rights page](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/technical-guidance-and-support/civil-rights/) says highway contracts must follow "federal and state labor regulations" and lists DOLI as a resource, but its AWP CRL pages do not mention DOLI's certifications. Confirm the funding with the contracting agency or DOLI.

## The 2026 Certified Payroll Work Group

DOLI's notices ([meeting 1](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78334), [meeting 2](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78550)) say the Commissioner is convening the group under House Bill 569 and Senate Bill 518, enacted in 2026, to examine a portal and database for required payroll records. Two virtual meetings were set for September 3 and 22, 2026, and the Commissioner reports by July 1, 2027. As of November 5, 2026, [DOLI's news page](https://doli.virginia.gov/news/) shows no meeting summary, report or portal decision. A study is not a duty: the [current statute](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) has no portal or periodic submission requirement.

We prepare certified payroll for public works contractors. Tell us about your project.

## Questions

**Do I send certified payroll to DOLI every week?**

No. [Section 2.2-4321.3](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) asks for a pay scale after award, a posting certification, and records on request.

**Does a subcontractor have to certify posting?**

Yes. [Subsection L](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) applies to each contractor and subcontractor.

**Who signs?**

The contractor. [Subsection I](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) puts the oath on the contractor awarded the contract. On a VDOT proxy payroll, the sub still signs.

**Will Virginia build a state payroll portal?**

DOLI's [work group](https://doli.virginia.gov/2026/08/30/certified-payroll-work-group-hb569-sb-518/) is studying it, with a report due by July 1, 2027.

## Sources

Every figure on this page links to its source where it first appears. The full list, in order:

1. [Va. Code 2.2-4321.3](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4321.3/) law.lis.virginia.gov
2. [40.1-29](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-29/) law.lis.virginia.gov
3. [DOLI's prevailing wage page](https://doli.virginia.gov/programs/labor-law/prevailing-wage-law/) doli.virginia.gov
4. [VDOT's AASHTOWare CRL page](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/) vdot.virginia.gov
5. [FAQ](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/FAQs_AWP-CRL-ACC.pdf) vdot.virginia.gov
6. [work group notice](https://doli.virginia.gov/2026/08/30/certified-payroll-work-group-hb569-sb-518/) doli.virginia.gov
7. [September 3](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78334) commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov
8. [September 22, 2026](https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/78550) commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov
9. [DOLI form](https://doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pay-Scale-Certification-for-Public-Works-Projectsv2.pdf) doli.virginia.gov
10. [posting form](https://doli.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Posting-Compliance-Form.pdf) doli.virginia.gov
11. [40.1-51.4:2](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter4/section40.1-51.4:2/) law.lis.virginia.gov
12. [Attach files before signing](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_4_Attachments.pdf) vdot.virginia.gov
13. [guide 5](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_5_Sign.pdf) vdot.virginia.gov
14. [guide 7](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_7_Modify_Rejected.pdf) vdot.virginia.gov
15. [guide 1C](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/media/vdotvirginiagov/doing-business/tools/aashtoware-crl/VDOT_QRG_Payrolls_1C_Entry_by_Prime_Proxy.pdf) vdot.virginia.gov
16. [civil rights page](https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/doing-business/technical-guidance-and-support/civil-rights/) vdot.virginia.gov
17. [DOLI's news page](https://doli.virginia.gov/news/) doli.virginia.gov

## Related

- [Certified payroll requirements by state](https://wellstanding.com/guides/certified-payroll-requirements-by-state/)
- [AASHTOWare CRL certified payroll by state DOT](https://wellstanding.com/guides/aashtoware-civil-rights-labor-certified-payroll/)
- [How to fill out Form WH-347](https://wellstanding.com/guides/wh-347/)
- [FHWA-1273 changes in 2026](https://wellstanding.com/guides/fhwa-1273-changes-2026/)