The Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board offers guidance to the DPOR Director for regulation of promoters and events involving professional boxing, martial arts, and professional wrestling. The Advisory Board is composed of representatives of each discipline and two citizen members.
A Message From The Board
Important Changes in 2023 to
Boxing, Martial Arts and Bare Knuckle Fighting Events
This does not apply to wrestling events.
The first change is that NO CASH will be taken at events. We ask your cooperation in getting as many fighters, cutman/corners and managers licensed prior to noon the day before weigh-ins to ensure that these individuals are not incurring the additional $35 on site processing fee.
The second change is that for 2023 events, promoters will be responsible for the cost of all officials, except locker room inspectors. The Board will continue to pay all official and board staff travel costs.
For boxing and MMA, we typically have one ringside physician for eight or less bouts, two referees, three judges, and one timekeeper. Nine or more bouts will require two ringside physicians. Bare Knuckle events require additional doctors (no less than two ringside doctors and either a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant to stitch).
The board will continue to pay for locker room inspectors to limit the financial impact to promoters as we have a minimum of five locker room inspectors per event and up to seven if we have female fighters on the card.
The BMAW board will still schedule officials. The promoter will be notified one week prior to the event and will be required to bring checks made payable to the officials which they will give to the BMAW board staff or designee prior to the commencement of the event. The BMAW board staff will then distribute the checks to the officials. If the promoter does not submit the checks to the BMAW staff or designee prior to the bell, the BMAW board staff will dismiss the officials.
Fee structure is as follows:
Doctor $500 each
Referee $150 each
Judges $150 each
Timekeeper $135 each
Additional Notices
- Application fees are not refundable and/or non-transferrable.
- Cornermen, managers, and fighters who fail to submit their application AND $40 fee by noon the day before weigh-ins are subject to an additional $35 on-site processing fee. In effect since July 1, 2016 (see 2016 announcement), the administrative fee is charged the day of weigh-ins or the day of the event for licenses issued on-site to individuals who did not submit their application and regular fee by noon the day before weigh-ins.
Amateur MMA Event Forms | Professional Event Forms
Attention Bare Knuckle Fighter Applicants:
If you are competing in Virginia, you will need to apply for a MMA National ID license (if you do not already have one) and a Virginia MMA license. In addition, you will need to submit a physical and labs completed within 6 months of the event, and an eye exam within one year of the event.
In order to avoid an additional $35.00 onsite fee, please submit your applications, as well as your corner, trainer and/or manager applications, before the day of weigh ins. All applications received at weigh in or at the event will be charged an additional $35.00 plus the original application fee of $40.00 for a total of $75.00 due at the weigh in or event.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . .
- Select your application format: Working with Interactive and Static Forms
- Read and understand the Regulations
- Application fees are not refundable
- Looking for Most Requested Forms? (address change, criminal conviction reporting, certification request, etc.)
Which application format is right for you? Tips on how to choose.
AMATEUR MMA EVENT FORMS
- For Sanctioning Organizations (not contestants or promoters)
| Application for Sanctioning Organization Approval (v11/16/2021) | Interactive | Static |
| Experience Verification Form | Amateur Sanctioning Organization (v07/01/2016) | Interactive | Static |
PROFESSIONAL EVENT FORMS (Boxing/Martial Arts)
- Amateur boxing and amateur wrestling are exempt from licensing requirements.
- Cornermen, managers, and fighters who fail to submit their application AND $20 fee* by noon the day before weigh-ins are subject to an additional $35 on-site processing fee. Learn more about policy effective July 1, 2016.
For Contestants and Other Pro Event Participants
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Pro Boxer/Limited Boxer License Application (v04/25/2022)
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Interactive | Static |
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Interactive | Static |
| Application for Boxer Federal ID Card | Interactive | Static |
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Pro Martial Artist/Limited Martial Artist License Application (v04/25/2022)
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Interactive | Static |
| Application for National MMA ID Card | Interactive | Static |
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Pro Wrestler/Limited Wrestler License Application (v04/25/2022)
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Interactive | Static |
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Trainer/Cutman/Second License Application (pro events) (v04/25/2022)
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Interactive | Static |
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Manager License Application (pro events) (v04/25/2022)
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Interactive | Static |
| Matchmaker License Application (pro events) (v04/25/2022) | Interactive | Static |
For Promoters
Promoter License Application (v04/25/2022)
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Interactive | Static |
Professional EVENT Application - Boxing/Martial Arts Event
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Interactive | Static |
Professional EVENT Application - Wrestling Event
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Interactive | Static |
| Cash Bond Form for Professional Event | Interactive | Static |
| Surety Bond Form for Professional Event | Interactive | Static |
| Gate Fee Report Form | Interactive | Static |
| Payout Report Form | Interactive | Static |
Proposed Bout Card for Pro BOXING/MARTIAL ARTS Event
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Interactive | Static |
Proposed Bout Card for Pro WRESTLING Event
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Interactive | Static |
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
Pending regulatory action (proposed changes, public hearings, etc.)
- Chapter 8.1 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia
- Regulations: PDF version | online version
- Guidance Documents on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Sign up for email notification of regulatory action and meetings by registering here.
The Virginia Regulatory Town Hall provides access to DPOR board meeting schedules, agenda, and past meeting minutes.
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NOTE: DPOR Advisory Boards (e.g. Boxing, Martial Arts & Pro Wrestling and Polygraph Examiners) are grouped under one listing on the Town Hall website.
Visit the Town Hall: https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/Meetings.cfm?BoardID=70
The Boxing, Martial Arts,
and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board FAQS
Boxing FAQS
1. How do I contact the Advisory Board office?
You may reach the Board office by phone at 804-367-0186, by FAX at (877) 264-8691, or by e-mail at boxing@dpor.virginia.gov. Additionally, if you have information that you would like to mail to the Advisory Board, please send it to:
Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
2. Will I be able to speak directly with a Board member?
No, the Advisory Board members do not work in the Advisory Board office, however, the Advisory Board staff members can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Board office. Please do not contact an Advisory Board member directly.
3. Can I renew my boxing license and what is the cost of a boxing license?
No. boxing licenses are not renewable. Every year you have to re-apply. The cost of the boxing license is $40 (see 18VAC120-40-50 A for additional information). If the application and fee are not received two days prior to weigh-ins, a $35 administrative fee is added.
4. What are the qualifications for licensure?
In addition to 18VAC120-40-70, applicants must also meet the requirements in 18VAC120-40-80 and 18VAC120-40-85 All applicants must disclose information about prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions. (Criminal history is not a barrier to licensure, but must be considered in accordance with Section § 54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.)
5. When does my boxing license expire?
Your boxing license expires on December 31 st of each year. If the boxing license is purchased within 45 days prior to December 31 it will not expire until December 31 st of the following year (for additional information please see 18VAC120-40-40.)
6. How long before my license will be issued?
Your license is usually issued within 4-10 business days of receiving your application. You can check on the status of your license on License Lookup.
7. Do I need to register with the national record keeper and how do I obtain my Federal Identification Card?
Yes, to register, contact the Advisory Board at 804-367-0186 and schedule an appointment. On the day of your appointment you will be required to bring a driver’s license, your SSN card, your amateur passbook, or a letter from your trainer stating your capabilities and training to participate as a professional fighter, a bill or document with your current name and address, two passport photos, and a credit card, check, cash or money order for $40.
8. How do I obtain an open date for an event? At what point will I be able to begin advertising my event?
Once you are licensed as a promoter, you may check Upcoming Pro Events, to check on dates that have already been taken before submitting the event application. No dates are held unless a completed application and fee is submitted. You may not advertise your event until your completed application and fee have been received and approved by the Advisory Board.
9. Can a promoter be the matchmaker for his own event?
Yes, a promoter must have a matchmaker license to match the event, if the promoter is using fighters that they manage, a separate matchmaker must make these bouts. To apply for a matchmaker license, the individual must submit the application and fee, along with a statement that the applicant does not employ and does not otherwise have a financial interest in, or commercial connection to, any boxer, manager, trainer, or second, except that which may be necessary to arrange a fighter's participation in a specific event.
Martial Arts FAQS
1. How do I contact the Advisory Board office?
You may reach the Board office by phone at 804-367-0186, by FAX at (877) 264-8691, or by e-mail at boxing@dpor.virginia.gov. Additionally, if you have information that you would like to mail to the Advisory Board, please send it to:
Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
2. Will I be able to speak directly with a Board member?
No. The Advisory Board members do not work in the Advisory Board office; however, the Advisory Board staff members can answer your questions and are trained to process all information that comes into the Board office.
Please do not contact any Advisory Board member directly.
3. Can I renew my martial artist license and what is the cost of a martial artist license?
No. There is no renewal of a martial artist license, every year you have to re-apply. The cost of the martial artist license is $40 (see 18VAC120-40-40 and 18VAC120-40-50 for additional information). If your application and fee is not received two days prior to weigh-ins, a $35 administrative fee is added.
4. What are the qualifications for licensure?
In addition to 18VAC120-40-70, applicants must also meet the requirements in 18VAC120-40-80 and 18VAC120-40-85 All applicants must disclose information about prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions on the Disciplinary Action Reporting Form or the Criminal Conviction Reporting Form. (Criminal history is not a barrier to licensure, but must be considered in accordance with Section §54.1-204 of the Code of Virginia.)
5. When does my martial artist license expire?
Your martial artist license expires on December 31st of each year. If the martial artist license is purchased within 45 days prior to December 31st it will not expire until December 31st of the following year. For additional information please see 18VAC120-40-40.
6. How long before my license will be issued?
Your license is usually issued within 4-10 business days of receiving your application. You can check on the status of your license on DPOR's License Lookup.
7. Do I need to register with the national record keeper and how do I obtain my Federal Identification Card?
Yes. To register and obtain your Federal Identification Card, you must complete and submit the Federal Identification Card Application, required documents and $40 fee mailing it via United States Postal Service to:
Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
Or faxing it directly to our Finance Department: 877-340-9616. A Credit Card Payment Form should be submitted when faxing.
Your application must include a copy of your Virginia driver’s license, social security card or passport book, amateur passbook or a letter from your trainer stating your capabilities and training to participate as a professional fighter, utility bill or document with your name and current address, and two passport photos.
8. How do I obtain an open date for an event? At what point will I be able to begin advertising my event?
Once you are licensed as a promoter, you may check Upcoming Events Listing on the DPOR website, to check on dates that have already been taken before submitting the event application. No dates are held unless a completed application and fee(s) are submitted.
You may not advertise your event until your completed application and fee(s) have been received and approved by the Advisory Board.
9. Can a promoter be the matchmaker for his own event?
Yes, a promoter must have a matchmaker license to match the event, if the promoter is using fighters that they manage, a separate matchmaker must make these bouts. To apply for a matchmaker license, the individual must submit the application and fee, along with a statement that the applicant does not employ and does not otherwise have a financial interest in, or commercial connection to, any martial artist, manager, trainer, or second, except that which may be necessary to arrange a fighter's participation in a specific event.
10. Do amateur martial arts events have to be registered with the national recordkeeper?
Yes, it is the responsibility of the sanctioning body to make sure the promoters have the event properly registered with the national record keeper (for more information contact mixedmartialarts.com).
11. Do I need an event license to promote an amateur event?
The Advisory Board does not handle amateur events. Amateur events, promoters, fighters, trainers, cut men, and cornermen are handled by an approved amateur sanctioning organization. For additional information click on Amateur Martial Arts - Approved Sanctioning Organization on the website.
12. Are professional/amateur events held in Virginia?
Yes, but if a promoter wishes to have a pro-am event in Virginia, the Advisory Board only regulates the professional side of the event, the promoter has to contact an Amateur Martial Arts - Approved Sanctioning Organization to regulate the amateur side of the event.
Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board
Board Executive Director
Kathleen (Kate) R. Nosbisch
Regulatory Board Administrator/Commissioner
Jermaine L. Gray
Member Roster
Advisory Board Member Roster
Charles Pinto
- Citizen Member
- First Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2026
Vacant
- Representative of the Sport of Boxing
Leah Jackman
- Representative of the Sport of Martial Arts
- Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2026
Ellen C. Thacker
- Citizen Member
- First Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2028
Brandon T. Metheny
- Representative of the Sport of Wrestling
- First Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2026
Jerome L. Wilson
- Representative of the Sport of Martial Arts
- First Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2028
Eric Irizarry
- Representative of the Sport of Boxing
- First Four-Year Term expires June 30, 2027
Advisory Board members are appointed by the DPOR Director.
DPOR stands ready to assist veterans and active-duty military personnel as they maintain or transition to civilian careers requiring professional credentials.
Active-duty military personnel and their spouses having served outside the U.S., as well as certain diplomatic service members and veterans, may be eligible to receive up to a five-year extension for meeting license renewal requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-117 of the Code of Virginia).
Spouses of active-duty military personnel assigned to a duty station in Virginia are eligible for expedited processing using the Military Spouse Expedited License Application (Interactive | Static). A temporary, non-renewable 12-month license for certain military spouses licensed in another state who need more time to meet Virginia-specific requirements is also an option if necessary. [Section 54.1-119]
- Military spouses also can get help covering the costs of transferring their professional licenses or certifications when they experience a permanent-change-of-station move with their service member spouse
For honorably discharged veterans, “substantially equivalent” military training, education, or experience may be credited toward certain license requirements (pursuant to Section 54.1-118). The Virginia Department of Veteran Services does not reimburse for exam costs. However, Veterans can be reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The link for the information is here: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/test-fees.
Upcoming Events Listing
DPOR licenses promoters and participants involved in professional wrestling, boxing, and martial arts events. The list of upcoming events includes only approved, licensed, and professional events.
If an event is not listed, it has not been licensed by DPOR to take place. Events may not be advertised until approved and licensed by DPOR.
Mixed Martial Arts:
Boxing:
Wrestling:
December 21, 2024, Little Mania Wrestling, Bayside Harley-Davidson, Portsmouth, VA
December 21, 2024, Round 1 Wrestling, Best Western Hotel, Williamsburg, VA
December 28, 2024, Pure Pro Wrestling, Clifton Forge Armory, Clifton Forge, VA
December 28, 2024, Commonwealth Championship Wrestling Federation, American Legion Post 233, Richmond, VA
January 4, 2025, Pure Pro Wrestling, Franklin County Family YMCA, Rocky Mount, VA
January 11, 2024, Mid-Atlantic Territory Wrestling, Body by "D" gymnasium, Yorktown, VA
Amateur martial arts/MMA must be conducted under an approved Amateur Sanctioning Organization. (Amateur boxing and amateur wrestling are not regulated.)
Amateur Martial Arts/MMA
- Promoters, fighters, and other event participants in amateur martial arts/MMA must work through an approved Amateur Sanctioning Organization and comply with its standards and operations.
- ALL amateur events MUST be pre-registered with the national database registry: Mixed Martial Arts LLC. It is the event promoter's responsibility and ongoing duty to register their events in advance directly with Mixed Martial Arts LLC online and pay any applicable fees.
- Promoters may want to designate a member of an approved Amateur Sanctioning Organization as an authorized user of their account, for purposes of reviewing match-ups and suspensions.
- State law prohibits DPOR from reporting fight results from amateur events conducted by a non-approved Sanctioning Organization to the official national database registry.
Approved Amateur Sanctioning Organizations
| United Combat Arts 2957 Reed Creek Dr. Draper, VA 24324 |
www.unitedcombatfights.com | Approval Expires: Dec. 31, 2024 |
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Global Combat Alliance 6415 Jahnke Rd. |
www.gcafights.com | Approval Expires: Dec. 31, 2024 |
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Virginia Combat Sports Sanction 7612 Leeds Manor Rd. |
www.facebook.com/ Virginia-Combat-Sports- Sanctioning-180829048641317 |
Approval Expires: Dec. 31, 2024 |
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World Championship Kickboxing Association (WKA USA) 8032-C West Broad St. |
www.WKAUSA.com | Approval Expires: Dec. 31, 2024 |
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United States Federation of Mixed Martial Arts 116 Pinecrest Rd |
www.gammausa.org | Approval Expires: Dec. 31, 2024 |
*Approved sanctioning organizations must file an annual report by Feb. 1, pursuant to subsection F of § 54.1-829.1.
- Use License Lookup for the most up-to-date credential verification.