What is the retainage cap in Virginia?

On public work the planning cap is 5%. On private work it is 5%. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.

When is retainage released in Virginia?

Public jobs typically release 30 days after acceptance. Private jobs: 30 days after acceptance. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.

How fast must a prime pay a sub in Virginia?

7 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 30 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly automatic.

Virginia · VA

Virginia retainage law and prompt-payment rules

Both public and private are capped at 5%, with automatic interest. Start in the code: Va. Code § 2.2-4333; § 11-4.1.

Use this page when you are bidding or billing a job in Virginia. Public retainage is listed as 5%; private as 5%. Typical public release is 30 days after acceptance.

Then open the retainage calculator for the dollars, or the G702-style pay application if you need line-by-line previous certificates.

Where is the job?

State and project type drive retainage caps and payment clocks

State

Project type

Caps and clocks change with project type, contract value, and the year you signed. Planning table only — confirm the current statute before you rely on a date.

Virginia — private work

Retainage cap5%

Typical retainage release30 days after acceptance

Interest / penalty1% monthly automatic

Owner / agency to primePublic: 30 days after invoice

Prime to sub (after prime paid)7 days after the prime is paid

Start in the codeVa. Code § 2.2-4333; § 11-4.1

Both public and private are capped at 5%, with automatic interest.

Summaries compiled for planning. This site is not a law firm.

Run the retainage dollars

Questions this page answers

What is the retainage cap in Virginia?: On public work the planning cap is 5%. On private work it is 5%. Bid documents and the subcontract still control if they are stricter.
When is retainage released in Virginia?: Public jobs typically release 30 days after acceptance. Private jobs: 30 days after acceptance. Confirm the contract date — several states changed caps in 2025–2026.
How fast must a prime pay a sub in Virginia?: 7 days after the prime is paid. Owner or agency to prime is Public: 30 days after invoice. Late-pay interest: 1% monthly automatic.

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