How to Get a Roofing License

Are you interested in becoming a licensed roofing contractor? If so, you must follow specific steps to get a roofing license in the United States. 

Obtaining a roofing license is an essential step for any professional roofer. Before starting any roofing work, you must ensure you comply with state and local laws in the area you plan to operate. 

We’ll first discuss the general process for getting a roofing business license in the United States. You’ll get a glimpse of how the entire process will go before going through the specific roofing license requirements by state.

General steps on how to get a roofing license

Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed to legally perform roofing work. Although the process can vary depending on the state in which you live, there are some general steps you can follow to get a contractor license. They are the following:

Determine the requirements for a roofing license in your state.

Each state has its own set of requirements for obtaining a roofing license. These may include completing thorough training, passing an exam, and having a certain amount of experience in the roofing industry.

Complete any required education or training.

Some states may require you to complete some education or training to be eligible for a roofing license. This may include taking classes at a vocational school or completing an apprenticeship program.

becoming a licensed roofing contractor

Gain experience in the roofing industry

Many states will also require you to have a certain amount of experience in the roofing industry before you can apply for a license. This may involve working as an apprentice or an assistant to a licensed roofer.

Pass the necessary exams.

Most states require you to pass an exam to obtain a roofing license. This may include a written exam and/or a practical exam. Studying and preparing for these exams in advance is vital to increase your chances of passing.

Apply for your roofing business license.

Once you have met all the requirements, you can apply for your roofing license. This typically involves filling out an application and submitting it to the appropriate state agency, along with any required fees and documentation.

In some states, you may need proof of liability insurance or a bond to protect against potential claims or damages.

Some states may have additional requirements or steps that you need to follow on how to get a roofing license. 

It is always a good idea to research your state’s specific requirements to ensure that you follow the correct process.

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Roofing license requirements by state

Each state has a licensing board or agency responsible for regulating the roofing industry. These agencies set the rules for getting a roofing license to ensure contractors are qualified and knowledgeable. 

Below is the list of states requiring roofing contractors to be licensed, the licensing agency responsible, and the specific requirements. You should also visit their website to find out more about the particular requirements and the process involved:

Alabama

Licensing Agency: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors

Requirements: A license is required for commercial projects worth $50,000 or more and residential projects worth $10,000 or more. Contractors must pass an exam (trade, business, and law) and show proof of completion of three projects in the last three years.

Alaska

Licensing Agency: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development

Requirements: Provide proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and place a bond.

Arizona 

Licensing Agency: Arizona Registrar of Contractors

Requirements: Pass a roofers examination, provide a financial statement, proof of insurance, and a bond.

Arkansas

Licensing Agency: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

Requirements: Register as a residential roofer, and pay a $15,000 bond for projects worth more than $2,000 and $50,000 for commercial projects with a commercial license.

California

Licensing Agency: California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board

Requirements: Pass a roofers examination, show proof of experience in the industry, surety bond, and insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation.

Delaware

Licensing Agency: Delaware Division of Revenue

Requirements: Pay an annual fee, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, and Safety Plan Complaint with OSHA.

Florida

Licensing Agency: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Requirements: For a certified contractor license, you’ll need educational and work experience, a background check, and proof of insurance. For a registered contractor license, you’ll need certification of competency, proof of financial stability, and business insurance.

Hawaii

Licensing Agency: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Requirements: Pass an exam ( roofer, business, and law), have previous experience, and show proof of insurance. 

Illinois

Licensing Agency: Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

Requirements: Pass the state exam, have insurance, and post a surety bond.

Iowa

Licensing Agency: Iowa Registrar of Contractors

Requirements: State registration if you earn over $2,000 per year. If you are an out-of-state roofer, you need a $25,000 bond.

Kansas

Licensing Agency: Office of Kansas Attorney General Roofing Registration Unit

Requirements: Roofing contractor registration certificate, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Louisiana

Licensing Agency: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors

Requirements: State license for commercial projects worth more than $50,000, home improvement registration for projects worth between $7,500 and $75,000, and residential license for projects worth more than $75,000. You must also pass an exam (trade, business, and law) and get general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

Maryland

Licensing Agency: Maryland Department of Labor Home Improvement Commission

Note: You will need a state license if you perform a home improvement project

Requirements: 2 years of experience, exam passing, and financial solvency requirement.

Massachusetts

Licensing Agency: Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations

Requirements: Construction Supervisor License (CSL) license and Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration

Michigan

Licensing Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Requirements: At least 60 hours of education and pass an examination.

Minnesota

Licensing Agency: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Construction Codes and Licensing Division

Requirements: Pass a trade exam, show proof of insurance, and post a $15,000 surety bond.

Mississippi

Licensing Agency: Mississippi State Board of Contractors

Requirements: Pass the law and business management exam, and take the trade exam.

Nevada

Licensing Agency: Nevada State Contractors Board

Note: Applicable to all contractors, including subcontractors and specialty contractors

Requirements: At least 4 years of experience in the industry

New Jersey

Licensing Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

Note: No state license is required, but registration is required for all roofers that do residential work

New Mexico

Licensing Agency: Construction Industries Division, State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department

Requirements: At least 2 years experience and pass a trade exam.

North Carolina

Licensing Agency: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors

Requirements: At least 18 years of age, possess good moral character, meet the financial requirement, and complete an examination.

North Dakota

Licensing Agency: North Dakota Secretary of State Licensing Unit

Requirements: Show proof that you don’t owe taxes, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance.

Oklahoma

Agency: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board

Requirements: No license requirement, but contractors must register

Oregon

Licensing Agency: Oregon Construction Contractors Board

Requirements: Pre-license training and passing a test, general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and bond.

Rhode Island

Licensing Agency: State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board

Requirements: PSI exam, liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, initial license fee, business ID number, and incorporation date for corporations and LLCs.

South Carolina

Agency: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Residential Builders Commission

Requirements: No license requirement, but contractors must register.

Tennessee

Licensing Agency: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Board for Licensing Contractors

Requirements: Pass an exam (trade, business, and law), financial statement, general liability insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance.

Utah

Licensing Agency: Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Requirements: Pre-license course from Associated Builders and Contractors Inc (ABC), Utah Home Builders Association (UHBA), or Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC). Specialty contractors need a 25-hour pre-licensure course. General liability insurance.

Virginia

Licensing Agency: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Requirements: Pre-license education course, must have qualified individuals with corresponding license/certification for those with specialty, and pass an exam.

Washington

Licensing Agency: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Requirements: General liability insurance and bond

West Virginia

Licensing Agency: West Virginia Division of Labor Contractor Licensing Board

Requirements: Pass an exam (trade, business, and law) and workers’ compensation insurance.

States not included in the list

States not included in the list do not require a state-level roofing business license. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your city or municipality before starting any roofing work.

Pro-tip: Consider working with an agency to help you navigate the entire licensing process. They can guide you in preparing all the necessary requirements and documents to apply for a roofing contractor license. 

How Business411 Can Help Your Roofing Business

Business 411 is a branding, marketing, and business development agency specializing in the roofing and home service industry. 

For more roofing education resources, check out the Residential Roofing Manual. It is being used by over 780 companies in the US and Canada to train their staff 10x faster and transform employees’ approach to working with Homeowners.

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