Roofing
Which States Mandate a Roofing License?
When searching for a qualified roofer, the first thing many people think of is whether the contractor has a license—but is that the only factor that matters? Do all roofers need to be licensed? Before signing a contract with an unlicensed contractor, it’s essential to understand the regulations in your state.
While not all states require roofing contractors to be licensed, there may be county or city-level regulations to consider. In this guide, we’ll break down the licensing requirements for each state, from Alabama to Wyoming.
Hiring an unlicensed roofer can lead to poor-quality work and legal or insurance issues, so it’s important to check your state’s requirements before hiring a contractor. Then, make sure your roofer meets or exceeds all necessary qualifications.
Use this tool to start your search for state-specific licensing requirements. You’ll also find links to real-time license verification tools from state regulatory bodies to easily confirm your contractor’s credentials. This will help you understand the qualifications your roofer needs and know the right questions to ask when hiring a professional.
Why Don’t All States Require Roofers to Be Licensed?
Some states, like New York and Colorado, don’t have state-level licensing requirements, leaving it to local jurisdictions to determine what’s needed. This is due to the vast differences between communities—ranging from urban areas to rural farmland—which can affect the cost of roofing work and, in turn, the insurance and bond requirements. Additionally, roofers may need specialized skills to work on commercial buildings, high-rises, or apartment complexes, compared to one- or two-story homes.
Roofing License Requirements by State
Use this comprehensive guide to understand the roofing license requirements in each state, including where licenses are required and where you can verify your contractor’s credentials.
Alabama
In Alabama, a licensed roofer is required 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 covers both residential and commercial work, including the fabrication and installation of metal roofing.
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.
Alaska
Roofing contractors in Alaska need a residential or commercial license from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development for most jobs.
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.
Arizona
In Arizona, a roofer must have a license for both residential and commercial work, issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Many licensed 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.
Arkansas
Roofing contractors in Arkansas must register with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Residential roofing contractors must register with the Residential Committee, while 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.
California
In California, a roofer must be licensed for any job worth over $500. The California Department of Consumer Affairs and Contractors State Licensing Board issues these licenses.
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.
Colorado
As of now, roofing contractors in Colorado are not required to have a state license. However, local jurisdictions may impose their own requirements, so check with your municipality. Keep in mind, plumbing and electrical contractors do require state licensure.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, residential roofing contractors do not need a state license but 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
Delaware does not have a specific roofing license. Contractors must register with the Delaware Division of Revenue and obtain a business license for projects worth $50,000 or more. Depending on the project, 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.
Florida
Florida has two types of roofing contractors: certified and registered. Certified contractors must obtain a state license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, while registered contractors must have a license from their local jurisdiction and 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
Georgia does not have a state licensing requirement for roofing contractors, but local requirements may apply. Contractors may voluntarily join the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association (GARCA), which can be important for homeowners wanting to ensure insurance coverage for roof replacements, as some insurance companies may void policies for unlicensed contractors.
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.
Hawaii
Roofing contractors in Hawaii must obtain a C-42 Roofing Contractor License from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
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
Idaho does not require a state license for roofing contractors, but they must register with the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Contractors Board. Local requirements may also apply.
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
Illinois offers two types of roofing licenses, both issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. A limited license allows contractors to work on residential properties with eight or fewer units, while an unlimited license covers 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.
Indiana
Roofing contractors in Indiana do not need a state license but may be required to meet local requirements. In Indiana, plumbing contractors do require licensing from the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
Iowa
Roofing contractors in Iowa must register with the Iowa Division of Labor if they earn more than $2,000 per year.
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
Kansas does not require a state license but mandates that contractors hold a roofing contractor registration certificate issued by the Kansas Attorney General. Contractors must also show proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
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.
Kentucky
Roofing contractors in Kentucky do not need a state license, but local credentialing may be required. HVAC and electrical contractors do need state-level licensing from the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.
Louisiana
In Louisiana, roofing contractors must hold a residential license for projects exceeding $75,000 and a commercial license for projects over $50,000. Home improvement contractors may not need a license but must register with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for projects 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.
Maine
As of now, Maine does not have a state roofing license, but contractors may need local credentials. Additionally, contractors will need a license to handle asbestos. Plumbing and electrical contractors in Maine must be licensed by the Maine Regulatory Licensing & Permitting office.
Maryland
Roofing contractors in Maryland must obtain a license from the Home Improvement Commission if they are altering, remodeling, repairing, or replacing any part of a residence, including individual condominiums. General contractors typically do not need a license unless their work involves home improvement projects.
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.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, roofing contractors are required to obtain a Construction Supervisor License from the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards. Additionally, they must register with the state to work on existing structures.
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.