Start your state licensing research here
Most states require some form of licensing or registration for roofing contractors.
Certain states may also have local licensing requirements.
Contractors often have a separate license for remodeling and new construction.
You can double-check credentials with your state’s local licensing board.
A license is one of the first things people think about when searching for a qualified roofer—but is it the end all be all? Do roofers have to be licensed? Before you sign on the dotted line and secure a contract with an unlicensed contractor, it’s a good idea to understand your state regulations.
Only some states issue licenses to roofing contractors, but just because there’s no state-level requirement, doesn’t mean you won’t find county- or city-level requirements. This guide will walk you through the licensing requirements of each state, from Alabama to Wyoming.
Hiring an unlicensed pro can result in low-quality work and have legal and insurance consequences, so always check what regulations apply in your state when hiring a local roofer. And then, check that the roofer meets or exceeds all those requirements.
Use this tool to start your search for state licensing requirements for roofers. You'll also find links to state regulatory bodies' real-time license verification tools to help you easily confirm your pro's credentials. This tool helps you begin your research into what credentials your pro needs so you know what questions to ask when hiring a roofing contractor.
Some states, like New York or Colorado, don’t have state licensing requirements and defer to local jurisdictions. This is because states can house vastly different communities—from crowded urban areas to suburbs to rural farmland. The cost of roof replacements and repairs can drastically differ, which can impact insurance and bond requirements. Beyond that, contractors need different skill sets to work on high-rises, apartment buildings, and other commercial properties versus one- or two-story homes.
Use this handy guide to browse roofing licenses by state, including details on which states do not require a roofing license and where you can verify your contractor’s credentials.
In Alabama, you’ll need to hire a licensed roofer for any residential roofing job worth $2,500 or more. Some contractors must also hold a specialized Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractor License issued by the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors. This license allows residential and commercial work, including fabricating and cutting metal roofing, as well as installing a metal roof and related components.
Licensing agency for roofers: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors License Roster Search
Agency phone number: 334-272-5030
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Alabama.
In Alaska, you’ll need to hire licensed roofing contractors for most jobs. Your contractor will need either a residential or commercial license issued by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Licensing agency for roofers: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Professional License Search
Agency phone number: 907-465-2550
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Alaska.
In Arizona, your roofer will need a license for residential or commercial jobs. This license is issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Additionally, many licensed roofing contractors in the state also belong to the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association.
Licensing agency for roofers: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Arizona Registrar of Contractors' Contractor Search Tool
Agency phone number: 602-542-1525
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Arizona.
In Arkansas, contractors either need some sort of licensing or registration from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Roofing contractors must register with the Residential Committee before they can perform residential roofing work. All other roofers require a Home Improvement License.
Licensing agency for roofers: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board Contractor Search Tool
Agency phone number: 501-372-4661
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Arkansas.
In California, you need to hire a licensed roofing contractor for any job worth more than $500. This license is issued by the California Department of Consumer Affairs and Contractors State Licensing Board.
Licensing agency for roofers: California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: California Department of Consumer Affairs Contractor License Check
Agency phone number: 800-321-2751
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in California.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Colorado at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing and electrical contractors do require state licensure. You can find out more from the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations.
In Connecticut, residential roofing contractors do not need a state license, but they must register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Licensing agency for roofers: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Connecticut License Lookup
Agency phone number: 860-713-6000
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Connecticut.
Delaware doesn’t have a specific roofing license. Instead, home contractors must register with and obtain a business license from the Delaware Division of Revenue if they’re working on projects worth $50,000 or more. Depending on the situation, they may also need an Asbestos Abatement Certification from the Division of Facilities Management.
Licensing agency for roofers: Delaware Division of Revenue
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Delaware Business Licenses Search
Agency phone number: 800-292-7826
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Delaware.
There are two different types of roofing contractors in Florida. Contractors who work all over the state must obtain a certified contractor license through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Contractors who limit their work to a single city or county must obtain a registered contractor license through their local jurisdiction. They do not need a state license.
Licensing agency for roofers: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License Search
Agency phone number: 850-487-1395
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Florida.
Georgia doesn’t have any state licensing requirements for roofing contractors, but there are local licensing requirements. Nonetheless, you may still choose to hire a contractor who is voluntarily licensed through the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association (GARCA). This is especially important if you want your insurance to pay for a roof replacement down the line since unlicensed contractors will sometimes void homeowner’s insurance policies.
Licensing agency for roofers: Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Georgia Professional Licensing Web Lookup
Agency phone number: 478-207-244
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Georgia.
In Hawaii, roofing contractors must obtain a C-42 Roofing Contractor License from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
Licensing agency for roofers: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Hawaii DCCA Professional Vocational Licensing Public License Search
Agency phone number: 808-586-3000
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Hawaii.
Idaho doesn’t have any state licensing requirements for roofing contractors. Instead, roofers must register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Contractors Board. Make sure to check your individual local licensing requirements.
Licensing agency for roofers: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Contractors Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Online Information
Agency phone number: 208-334-3233
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Idaho.
Illinois has two different licenses for roofing contractors, both of which are issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. A limited license allows roofing contractors to work on residential properties that include eight units or less. An unlimited license allows contractors to work with commercial, industrial, and residential properties of all sizes.
Licensing agency for roofers: Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Illinois IDFPR License Lookup
Agency phone number: 888-473-4858
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Illinois.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Indiana at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. In Indiana, plumbing contractors do require licensing at the state level from the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
In Iowa, any construction contractor earning more than $2,000 per year must register with the Iowa Division of Labor.
Licensing agency for roofers: Iowa Registrar of Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Iowa IWD Registered Contractor Public Search
Agency phone number: 515-242-5871
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Iowa.
Kansas doesn’t have a state licensing requirement, but contractors must hold a roofing contractor registration certificate. This certificate is issued by the Kansas Attorney General. Contractors must also show proof of adequate liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Licensing agency for roofers: Office of Kansas Attorney General Roofing Registration Unit
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Office of Kansas AG Roofer Search
Agency phone number: 785-368-6644
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Kansas.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Kentucky at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. HVAC and electrical pros require licensing at the state level from the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.
In Louisiana, there are few different requirements. Roofing contractors must hold a residential license for residential construction projects worth more than $75,000 and a commercial license for commercial construction projects worth $50,000 or more.
Home improvement contractors do not always need a license. If they don’t have a license, they must register with the Louisiana State Licensing Board to perform any home improvement project that costs between $7,500 and $75,000.
Licensing agency for roofers: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Louisiana State Licensing Board Online Contractor Search
Agency phone number: 225-765-2301
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Louisiana.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Maine at the state level, although they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality.
Though there isn’t a blanket roofing license, roofing contractors will need a license to handle asbestos. Plumbing and electrical pros also require licensing at the state level from the Maine Regulatory Licensing & Permitting office.
General contractors don’t need a license in Maryland unless their work falls under the category of home improvement—though this encompasses a large swath of roofing work. If a contractor alters, remodels, repairs, or replaces any part of a residence (including individual condos), they’ll likely need a license from the Home Improvement Commission.
Licensing agency for roofers: Maryland Department of Labor Home Improvement Commission
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Maryland Department of Labor Home Improvement Public Query
Agency phone number: 410-230-6176
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Maryland.
In Massachusetts, roofing contractors must obtain a Construction Supervisor License from the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards. To work on an existing structure, they’ll also have to register with the state.
Licensing agency for roofers: Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Maryland Office of Public Safety and Inspections
Agency phone number: 617-727-3200
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Massachusetts.
In Michigan, residential roofing contractors must obtain a Residential Maintenance and Alteration (M&A) license. This is issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Licensing agency for roofers: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Michigan Citizen Access Verify a License
Agency phone number: 651-284-5034
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Michigan.
In Minnesota, any contractor performing residential roofing work must hold a license issued by the Department of Labor and Industry—but the exact license depends on the scope of work.
Your roofer may hold a license for:
Residential roofers
Residential building contractors
Residential remodelers
A residential building contractor license is the most comprehensive, allowing work on both new and existing homes. A remodeling license does not cover new construction. A roofing license does not cover work on gutters, downspouts, or soffit and fascia materials.
Licensing agency for roofers: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Construction Codes and Licensing Division
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry License and Registration Lookup
Agency phone number: 651-284-5034
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Minnesota.
In Mississippi, roofing contractors must hold a license if they’re working on new construction worth more than $50,000; residential remodels worth more than $10,000; or roofing projects worth more than $10,000. This license is issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
Licensing agency for roofers: Mississippi State Board of Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Mississippi Contractor License Search
Agency phone number: 601-354-6161
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Mississippi.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Missouri at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. Electrical pros can obtain licensing at the state level from the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
Montana doesn’t require roofing contractors to hold a state license. Instead, contractors and subcontractors with employees must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
Licensing agency for roofers: Montana Department Labor and Industry
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Montana Contractor Lookup
Agency phone number: 406-444-7734
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Montana.
Nebraska doesn’t have state licensing requirements for roofing contractors. Instead, contractors and subcontractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor.
Licensing agency for roofers: Nebraska Department of Labor
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Nebraska Department of Labor Contractor Search
Agency phone number: 402-471-2239
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Nebraska.
In Nevada, roofing contractors must hold a Roofing Contractor (C-15A) License. This license is issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Licensing agency for roofers: Nevada Registrar of Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Nevada State Contractors' Board Contractor License Search
Agency phone number: 702-486-1100
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Nevada.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in New Hampshire at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing, electrical, asbestos abatement, and lead abatement pros require licensing at the state level from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
Contractors do not need a license, but they do need to register as a home improvement contractor with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. In addition, they must also display their registration number on business documents, commercial vehicles, and advertisements, and in any offices in which they operate.
Licensing agency for roofers: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification
Agency phone number: 973-424-8150
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in New Jersey.
In New Mexico, roofing contractors are considered construction contractors. As such, they’ll need a state license issued by the Construction Industries Division of the New Mexico Registration and Licensing Department.
Licensing agency for roofers: New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department License Verification
Agency phone number:
505-476-4700 (Santa Fe)
505-222-9801 (Albuquerque)
575-524-6320 (Las Cruces)
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in New Mexico.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in New York at the state level, although they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, asbestos abatement and crane operating pros do require licensing at the state level from the New York State Department of Safety and Health.
In North Carolina, roofing contractors must obtain a general contracting license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors to take on projects worth $30,000 or more. There are three different types of licenses depending on the size of the project.
Limited License: Projects worth up to $500,000 each
Intermediate License: Projects worth up to $1 million each
Unlimited License: Projects of any size
Licensing agency for roofers: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors License Verification
Agency phone number: 919-571-4183
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in North Carolina.
In North Dakota, roofing contractors must have a state license issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State for any job worth $4,000 or more. Licenses are ranked depending on the total project—from Class A (more than $500,000 per project) to Class D (up to $100,000 per project).
Licensing agency for roofers: North Dakota Secretary of State Licensing Unit
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: North Dakota Secretary of State Contractor Search
Agency phone: 701-328-3665
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in North Dakota.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Ohio at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and HVAC pros require licensing at the state level from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
Oklahoma doesn’t have a state license for roof contractors, but they must register with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board to prove they carry sufficient insurance.
Licensing agency for roofers: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board Roofing Registration Search
Agency phone number: 405-521-6550
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Oklahoma.
In Oregon, roofing contractors must obtain a license through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
Licensing agency for roofers: Oregon Construction Contractors Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Oregon CCB Contractor License Search
Agency Phone: 503-378-4621
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Oregon.
In Pennsylvania, roofing contractors don’t need a state license. There may be local licensing requirements, so check with your municipality before you hire a roofing contractor.
Licensing agency for roofers: Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Information Contractor Search
Agency phone number: 717-722-2425
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Pennsylvania.
In Rhode Island, only commercial roofing contractors need a state license obtained through the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board.
Licensing agency for roofers: State of Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board License Status Lookup
Agency phone number: 401-889-5535
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Rhode Island.
In South Carolina, roofing contractors are categorized as “Residential Specialty Contractors.” This type of contractor does not need a state-issued license but does need to register with the South Carolina Department of Labor.
Licensing agency for roofers: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Residential Builders Commission
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation License Lookup
Agency phone number: 803-896-4696
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in South Carolina.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in South Dakota at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, electrical, plumbing, and asbestos abatement pros require licensing at the state level from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
There are a couple different licenses a roofing contractor may have in Tennessee. If the project is worth $25,000 or more, roofers must obtain a Tennessee contractor’s license. Several counties also require a Home Improvement License for projects that cost $3,000 or more but less than $25,000.
Licensing agency for roofers: Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Board for Licensing Contractors
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance License Search
Agency phone number: 800-544-7693
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Tennessee.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Texas at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. HVAC, plumbing, well-drilling, and fire sprinkler system pros require licensing at the state level from the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guild.
In Utah, roofing contractors must obtain a license from the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Licensing agency for roofers: Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Agency phone number: 801-530-6628
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Utah.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Vermont at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. However, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical pros do require licensing at the state level from the Vermont Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety.
Virginia has three different types of licenses for roofing contractors—Class A, B, or C—that are issued by the Board of Contractors. The type of license depends on the total value of the project.
Licensing agency for roofers: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
Agency phone number: (804) 367-8511
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Virginia.
In Washington, roofing contractors don’t need a state license, but they must register with the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.
Licensing agency for roofers: Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Verify a Contractor Tool
Agency phone number: 602-542-1525
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Washington.
Roofing contractors need a Home Improvement Contractor License to remodel or repair residential properties in Washington D.C. For new construction, a roofing contractor may need a General Contractor License. Both of these licenses are issued through the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Licensing agency for roofers: District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Occupational and Professional License Search
Agency phone number: 202-442-4400
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Washington, D.C.
In West Virginia, roofing contractors must carry a state license issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor’s Contractor Licensing Board.
Licensing agency for roofers: West Virginia Division of Labor Contractor Licensing Board
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: West Virginia Division of Labor Contractor Search
Agency phone number: 304-558-7890
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in West Virginia.
Roofing contractors generally don’t need a state-issued license in Wisconsin. That said, they will need a certification if the project involves asbestos abatement. Some municipalities may have local licensing requirements, so make sure to check before you hire a contractor.
Licensing agency for roofers: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
How to check if your roofing pro is licensed: Wisconsin eSLA Public Look-Up
Agency phone number: 608-267-0592
Learn more about roofing contractor licensing requirements in Wisconsin.
At the time of this posting, roofing contractors don’t need licensing in Wyoming at the state level. However, they may require credentialing at the local level, so be sure to check with your municipality. Electricians and water well pros require licensing at the state level from the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety and the Wyoming Water Well Contractors Licensing Board, respectively.
Roofing jobs can be expensive due to the required materials and the dangerous nature of the labor. The cost to repair a roof ranges from $390 to $1,920, with an average cost of $1,150, depending on what kind of roof you have and any accessibility concerns. Replacing a roof is much more expensive at $5,890 to $12,800.
Roof work is dangerous and exacting, and a misstep could lead to even more costly repairs, so we do not recommend DIYing. If you are dead set on giving it a go, practice safety measures. Wear a harness, only work during mild weather, and have a partner to help. Potentially DIY-friendly jobs include patching up small leaks, sealing areas around the chimney, and replacing a few shingles.
Insurance might cover a 30-year-old roof, but it’s fairly rare. Most companies don’t offer coverage for roofs older than 20 years, but certain robust plans will handle it. However, even if the plan offers coverage for an aged roof, it could be diminished. Many plans only cover the original cost or the actual cash value (ACV) of the roof once enough time has passed. ACV is based on the roof's age and condition at the time of repairs.
