How to file certified payroll in Virginia (WH-347)

Virginia’s prevailing-wage law is newer and conditional

Unlike long-standing prevailing-wage states, Virginia’s state law (Va. Code § 2.2-4321.3) only took effect in 2020 and applies to certain state and local public-works contracts — those where the public body is required to, or elects to, apply prevailing wage. The first step is confirming the contract is covered; once it is, certified payroll follows the federal WH-347 format, so there is no separate Virginia electronic schema to learn.

WH-347 is the accepted format

Where Virginia prevailing wage applies, the federal WH-347 is accepted for certified payroll, and federally funded projects in Virginia run on the federal Davis-Bacon WH-347 directly. PayrollPenguin maps your classifications and weekly hours into the WH-347 layout, carries the Statement of Compliance, and reformats your numbers — it never invents a wage.

VDOT federal-aid highway work may use AASHTOWare

One thing to check per project: Virginia DOT (VDOT) federal-aid highway projects require certified payroll submitted through AASHTOWare Project Payroll rather than a PDF upload. Treat that as a per-project possibility — confirm the agency’s portal requirement for your specific contract so you export in the form the project actually accepts.

How to file Virginia certified payroll

1. Import your payroll run. Upload your ADP, Gusto, QuickBooks, Paychex, or CSV payroll for the pay period.
2. Confirm the project is covered. Check whether the contract is subject to Virginia prevailing wage (Va. Code § 2.2-4321.3) or federal Davis-Bacon, and whether VDOT requires AASHTOWare.
3. Resolve flagged anomalies. PayrollPenguin flags missing fringe, classification gaps, or rates below the wage determination before you can certify.
4. Certify and export the WH-347. Sign the Statement of Compliance, then download the file-ready WH-347 to submit.

Frequently asked questions

Does Virginia have a state prevailing-wage law?

Yes. Virginia enacted a state prevailing-wage law effective 2020 (Va. Code § 2.2-4321.3) that applies to certain state and local public-works contracts where the public body is required to, or elects to, apply it. Where it applies, the federal WH-347 format is accepted for certified payroll.

Do VDOT highway projects use a different format?

They can. Virginia DOT federal-aid highway projects often require certified payroll through AASHTOWare Project Payroll instead of a WH-347 PDF upload. Confirm the submission method for your specific contract before you export.

Is PayrollPenguin a compliance guarantee?

No. PayrollPenguin is a reporting and formatting tool — it formats your payroll into a file-ready WH-347 and flags anomalies. You certify and the awarding agency / DOL reviews.