In the state of VA... if I have completed the work without a contractors license, can I get one after the fact in order to file a lein? I do have LLC and liability insurance. Around $7k is owed to me
See link below to applicable statutory requirements. Note that unless you fit into one of th elimited exceptions, your right to recover by any means (lien, breach of contract, etc.) is prohibited and you could also be subject to both criminal and civil penalties.
See https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter11/section54.1-1115/