The Complete Roofer License Resource

Disclaimer: While we have listed fees for some organizations below, and we have attempted to verify these fees as of September 2020, all fees are subject to change. IKO takes no responsibility for added fees, changed fees, or other fee decisions.

Before you start your own roofing business or seek to join one as an employee, you will need to discover the roofer licensing requirements in your state, province or territory. Use this guide to discover what you’ll need and which organizations you’ll need to contact to get started. We will also link to national or regional associations that can give you more location-specific information.

Know Your Terms: Register, License, Certificate

States may require roofers to get registered or to earn a license or certificate. What is the difference between these three types of qualifications?

• Register: Registering with a state usually does not require you to pass an examination or prove your skill, which means that registering is usually not an endorsement of skill. Instead, states use registries to keep track of roofing businesses, ensure that they have the proper insurance and are paying taxes. Registering is typically free.
• License: In order to earn a license, you usually need to complete extensive training, perhaps an apprenticeship, and pass one or more examinations. Sometimes the applicant must also pass a background check or good moral character check. Completing the licensing process often costs money. If an individual has a license that does not mean that a government or other party endorses an individual’s skill.
• Certification: The process of certification is usually about improving the applicant’s skill in a specific area. For example, many states offer asbestos certification to ensure roofers know how to handle this potentially dangerous material safely. Certificates typically do not cover the whole range of skills a roofer needs, so a government or third party may offer them on a voluntary basis. Or they may be mandated in addition to a license. Certification typically costs money.

Basic Information About Becoming a Roofer

In general, you’ll want to know whether you are required to get a license, a certification, or be registered in order to work as a roofer in your area. Then, you may want to contact the authority that oversee this requirement to find out what you’ll need. You may need to take a course, pass a test, complete an apprenticeship, or just pay a fee. Once you’re applied for and earned your license, certificate, or registration, you may also have to renew it on a regular basis.

United States

 

Alabama

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Home Builder Licensure Board
License Look-up: Alabama General Contractors

Licensing rules for roofers recently changed in Alabama. As of January 1, 2019, roofers are required to earn a roofer license from the Home Builder Licensure Board. You must also gain a $10,000 bond before the license is issued to you.

Alaska

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
License Look-up: Alaska Professional Licenses
Roofing association: Associated General Contractors of Alaska

In Alaska, roofing is considered a specialty trade, requiring its own license. You may earn either a commercial roofing license or residential roofing license from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. You may also wish to join the Associated General Contractors of Alaska.

Arizona

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Arizona Registrar of Contractors
License Look-up: Contractor Search
Roofing association: Arizona Roofing Contractors Association

Arizona mandates licenses for both residential and commercial roofers from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.  Anyone bidding on jobs over $750 must have a license. You may also be interested in the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association.

Arkansas

License required: Yes, Contractors License
Licensing authority: Arkansas Contractors License Board
License Look-up: Arkansas Contractors Look-up
Roofing association: Midwest Roofing Contractors Association

There are no roofer-specific licenses in Arkansas. Instead, the Arkansas Contractors License Board requires that those working on projects valued over $2,000 get either a residential or commercial contractor license.  A commercial license is required for any roofing work that is not on a single-family dwelling. You may also seek training from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.

California

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Contractors State License Board
License Look-up: California Check a License
Roofing association: Western State Roofing Contractors Association

California mandates that roofers get a specialty license (class C) to work on projects valued over $500. The Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board oversees these licenses and requires roofers to have a $15,000 surety bond. You may get more information from the Western State Roofing Contractors Association.

If you’re in California, it’s also important to note that you will need to install shingles that meet California’s Title 24 requirements. IKO’s Cambridge ^® Cool Colors are an excellent option.

Colorado

License required: No
Roofing association: Colorado Roofing Association

This state does not offer licensing for any contractors, roofers included. Instead, you will need to check with your municipality to see what you need to work in the area legally. You may get more information from the Colorado Roofing Association.

Connecticut

License required: Not Roofing-Specific
Licensing authority: Department of Consumer Protection
License Look-up: Connecticut License Look-up
Roofing association: Connecticut Roofing Contractors Association

Connecticut does not have a roofer specific license. However, roofers may need a home improvement license if they perform home improvements as well as roofing. You can register for the license through the Department of Consumer Protection. You may also wish to join the Connecticut Roofing Contractors Association.

Delaware

License required: Yes, Contractor License
Licensing authority: Delaware Division of Revenue
License Look-up: Delaware Business License Search
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

Roofers in Delaware must register with the Delaware Division of Revenue as a resident (or non-resident) contractor. There is no roofer-specific license. You may also need Asbestos Abatement Certification in order to work. You could receive additional education from the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

Florida

License required: Yes, Contractor License
Licensing authority: Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
License Look-up: Florida Licensee Search
Roofing association: Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida

Florida mandates that roofers obtain a contractor license. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation oversees the licensing process. You can learn more from the Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida.

Georgia

License required: Yes, Contractor License
Licensing authority: State Construction Industry Licensing Board
License Look-up: Georgia Professional Licensing Search
Roofing association: Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Georgia

Georgia does not have a roofing-specific license, but roofers must get a Contractor’s License from the State Construction Industry Licensing Board. You can get further information about the Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Georgia.

Hawaii

License required: Yes, Contractor License
Licensing authority: Professional & Vocational Licensing Division
License Look-up: Professional & Vocational Licensing Search
Roofing association: Roofing Contractors Association of Hawaii

In Hawaii, anyone who does roofing work valued at over $1,000 must have a contractor’s license. Hawaii does not have a roofing-specific license. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing Division, oversees these licenses. You may also be interested in joining the Roofing Contractors Association of Hawaii.

Idaho

License required: No
Licensing authority: Idaho Division of Building Safety

Idaho does not license roofers at the state level, although they do require other kinds of contractors to be registered with the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Illinois

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
License Look-up: Illinois Search for a License
Roofing association: Midwest Roofing Contractors Association

There are three different roofing licenses offered in Illinois. In order to work as a roofer in the state, you must have either a limited or unlimited license. Limited is for those working on residential buildings that are eight units or less. Unlimited is for other residential and all commercial work. Both licenses are granted by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You may also be interested in education from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.

Indiana

License required: No
Roofing association: Indiana Roofing Contractors Association

As a state, Indiana does not license roofers or require them to register. However, your local city or municipality may require you to get licensed or registered. You may also wish to join the Indiana Roofing Contractors Association.

Iowa

License required: No, but registering is required
Licensing authority: Iowa Division of Labor
Roofing association: Iowa Roofing Contractors Association

Other resources:
Iowa does not have a roofer-specific license, but it does require roofers who make more than $2,000 do get registered with the Iowa Division of Labor. You may be interested in getting certified with the Iowa Roofing Contractors Association.

Kansas

License required: No, but registering is required
Licensing authority: Kansas Attorney General
Roofing association: Kansas Roofing Association

There are no roofer-specific licenses offered at the state level in Kansas. However, roofers do need to be registered with the Kansas Attorney General. You may also look into the Kansas Roofing Association.

Kentucky

License required: No
Roofing association: Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association

Kentucky does not offer licenses or registration for roofers. However, you can get educated and certified with the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association.

Louisiana

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
License Look-up: Louisiana Contractor Search

In Louisiana, roofers must have a license if they take on any job valued at $7,500 or more. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors oversees the licensing process.

Maine

License required: No
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

Maine does not offer roofers licenses and does not require roofers to be registered. Your specific municipality may require you to be registered. You may wish to join the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

Maryland

License required: Not roofing-specific
Licensing authority: Maryland Department of Labour
Roofing association: Mid Atlantic Roofing Contractors Association

While there is no Maryland roofer’s license, roofers may need to get a home improvement license, depending on the type of roofing work they do. The Maryland Department of Labour oversees the licenses. You may also be interested in the Mid Atlantic Roofing Contractors Association.

Massachusetts

License required: Yes, Contractor License
Licensing authority: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
License Look-up: Maryland Licensing Search
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

In Massachusetts, every contractor, including roofers, must get a Construction Supervisor license. There is no roofer-specific license. The Construction Supervisor license is given out by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. You may also look into the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

Michigan

License required: Yes, Contractor License
Licensing authority: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
License Look-up: Michigan Verify a License
Roofing association: Michigan Roofing Contractors Association or Southeastern Michigan Roofing Contractors Association

Michigan requires roofers to have a license. They offer several contractor licenses through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You may also join the Michigan Roofing Contractors Association or the Southeastern Michigan Roofing Contractors Association.

Minnesota

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
License Look-up: Minnesota License Look-up
Other resources: Contractor Registration Program

In Minnesota, if a roofer takes more than $15,000 in work a year, they need to be licensed. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry offers roofing specific licenses. Subcontractors in the state do not need this license, but they do need to be registered with the Contractor Registration Program.

Mississippi

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Mississippi State Board of Contractors
License Look-up: Mississippi Consolidated Search

Roofers are required to be licensed in Mississippi if they perform residential roofing projects valued at or over $10,000. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors handles the licensing process.

Missouri

License required: No
Roofing association: Midwest Roofing Contractors Association

Missouri does not handle licensing roofers or other contractors at the state level. Instead, you should look into your local municipality’s licensing requirements. You can get more information from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.

Montana

License required: No, but must register
Licensing authority: Department of Labor and Industry
Roofing association: Montana Roofing Association

In Montana, roofers are not required to be licensed. However, they must be registered with the Department of Labor and Industry. Even independent contractors who do not have employees must register. You may also wish to join the Montana Roofing Association.

Nebraska

License required: No, but must register
Licensing authority: Nebraska Department of Labor
Roofing association: Midwest Roofing Contractors Association

There is no state-level roofing license in Nebraska, but roofers must be registered as a contractor with the Nebraska Department of Labor. As with other states in the Midwest, roofers in Nebraska may also look into the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.

Nevada

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Nevada State Contractors Board
License Look-up: Nevada Contractor License Search
Roofing association: Western States Roofing Contractors Association
Other resources: C15 Roofing and Siding License

Nevada requires roofers to be licensed. Specifically, you need to earn a C15 Roofing and Siding License, that also prepares roofers to insulation and waterproofing. The Nevada State Contractors Board grants these licenses. You may get further education or information from the Western States Roofing Contractors Association.

New Hampshire

License required: No
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

New Hampshire does not require roofers to be registered or licensed at the state level. You should check to see if your municipality requires you to register or be licensed. You may also be interested in the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

New Jersey

License required: No, but must be registered
Licensing authority: Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

In New Jersey, roofers and other contractors need to be registered with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The state does not offer roofing licenses. You may get more information or education from the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

New Mexico

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
Roofing association: New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association

Roofing companies in New Mexico must be licensed. The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department offers roofing-specific licenses and other licenses you may need depending on the type of work you’re doing. You can get further information from the New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association.

New York

License required: No
Roofing association: New York State Roofers and Sheet Metal Contractors Association or Roofing & Waterproofing Contactors Association of New York or North East Roofing Contractors Association.

As a state, New York does not mandate that roofers get licensed or registered. However, your local city or municipality may require that you be registered or licensed with them. There are three different roofing organizations you might want to join in New York:

• New York State Roofers and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.
• Roofing & Waterproofing Contactors Association of New York.
• North East Roofing Contractors Association.

 

North Carolina

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
License Look-up: North Carolina License Search
Roofing association: Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association

Roofers in North Carolina who take on a job valued at $30,000 or more are required to have a license. You need to earn your license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. There is no roofing-specific license; the system is designed to qualify you to take on certain project sizes and will also require you to be bonded and insured. You may also wish to join the Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.

North Dakota

License required: Yes, not roofing-specific
Licensing authority: North Dakota Secretary of State
License Look-up: North Dakota Contractor Inquiry
Roofing association: Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning & Roofing Contractors Association

North Dakota requires roofers and other contractors to have a license if they take on a job valued at $4,000 or more. The North Dakota Secretary of State oversees the licensing process. You may also be interested in the Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning & Roofing Contractors Association.

Ohio

License required: No
Roofing association: Ohio Roofing Contractors Association

Roofers are not licensed or registered by Ohio at the state-level. However, you may find that your municipality requires you to be registered or licensed. You may wish to join the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association.

Oklahoma

License required: No
Roofing association: Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association

Oklahoma also does not register or license roofers at the state level. Municipalities may require roofers to register with them or earn a general contractor’s license. You may also choose to join the Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association.

Oregon

License required: Yes, not roofing-specific
Licensing authority: Oregon Construction Contractors Board
License Look-up: Oregon License Holder Look-up
Roofing association: Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon and Southwest Washington

The Oregon Construction Contractors Board mandates that roofers get a construction license. You have the option of applying for a residential license, a commercial license, or a license that covers both residential and commercial work. You may get other education or information from the Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Pennsylvania

License required: No
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

Pennsylvania does not license or register roofers at the state level, but your municipality may have requirements for you. However, you may get education or training from the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

Rhode Island

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
License Look-up: Rhode Island License Look-up
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

The State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board mandates that roofers receive a roofing-specific license. You may also wish to join the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

South Carolina

License required: No, but registering is required
Licensing authority: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Roofing association: Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association

Those roofers in South Carolina who wish to work on projects valued at $5,000 or more must be registered (but not licensed) with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. You may also wish to join the Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.

South Dakota

License required: No

South Dakota does not offer licenses or register roofers at the state level, but your municipality may have requirements for you.

Tennessee

License required: Yes, contractor’s license
Licensing authority: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
License Look-up: Tennessee Verify a License

Tennessee requires all roofers who do projects valued at $25,000 or more get a contractor’s license. The license is granted by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.

Texas

License required: No
Roofing association: Roofing Contractors Association

Texas is unusual in that the state offers a licensing process for roofers, but it is not mandatory. If you’d like to earn the license, you can get it through the Roofing Contractors Association.

Utah

License required: Yes
Licensing authority: Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
License Look-up: Utah Licensee Look-up
Roofing association: Utah Roofing Contractor Association

Other resources:
Roofers in Utah are required to get a license from the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. You can get further information or education from the Utah Roofing Contractor Association.

Vermont

License required: No
Roofing association: North East Roofing Contractors Association

Vermont does not register roofers or require them to earn licenses. However, municipalities in Vermont may require you to get a license or register with them. You may wish to join the North East Roofing Contractors Association.

Virginia

License required: Yes, depending on job size
Licensing authority: The Virginia Board for Contractors
License Look-up: Virginia License Look-up
Roofing association: Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals

Virginia has a license system that is based on the size of the project you take on. The Virginia Board for Contractors grants the licenses. If you’re in Virginia, you may also get education or training from the Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals.

Washington

License required: No, but registering is required
Licensing authority: Department of Labor and Industries Contractors’ Registration Section
Roofing association: Roofing Contractors Association of Washington

Washington requires roofers to get registered with the Department of Labor and Industries Contractors’ Registration Section. You may register with a roofing specialty; however roofers are not allowed to hire subcontractors. If you register as a general contractor, you can then hire subcontractors. The state does not require roofers to be licensed but does require them to be bonded and insured. You may also be interested in the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington.

West Virginia

License required: Yes, Contractor’s License
Licensing authority: Division of Labor West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board
License Look-up: Contractor License Search
Roofing association: Contractors Association of West Virginia

Roofers in West Virginia are required to get a contractor’s license. The Division of Labor West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board oversees the license and also requires roofers to have worker’s compensation insurance. You may also be interested in becoming a member of the Contractors Association of West Virginia.

Wisconsin

License required: Yes, Dwelling Contractor License
Licensing authority:  State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
License Look-up: Wisconsin License Search
Roofing association: Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association

In Wisconsin, roofers will need to earn a license called a Dwelling Contractor License. There is no roofing-specific license. The license is granted by the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You can get more education and training from the Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association.

Wyoming

License required: No

Wyoming does not offer roofing licenses at the state level, and it does not register roofers either. However, your municipality may require you to register with them or get a license from them.

License and Registration Reciprocity Agreements

Some states have reciprocity agreements with one another. These agreements mean that they will recognize a contractor or roofing license issued by another state. Before you get licensed in multiple states, see if the license you hold now can be recognized in the state that you want to work in.

h3{font-size: 1.25rem !important;margin: 30px 0 !important;}.subTitle{font-weight: 500;}

Canada

Most provinces and territories in Canada do not require roofers to get a roofing-specific license. Instead, roofers may be required to get a general contractor’s license or they may not be required to get a certification at all. Although municipalities may have their own requirements you need to meet in order to work. You may also wish to join national-level roofing organizations, such as the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association.

Interprovincial Work

If you would like to work in multiple provinces, you will require a Red Seal trade certification. In fact, in many provinces and territories, Red Seal certification is the only certification available.

Provinces

British Columbia

License required: No

Roofers in British Columbia do not need to get a license. They may want to get roofing training and a roofing trade certification. You may also be interested in getting training from or joining the Roofing Contractors Association of BC.

Alberta

License required: Yes, not roofing-specific
Licensing authority: Service Alberta
Roofing association: Alberta Roofing Contractors Association
License Look-up: Alberta Business Search

Roofers must obtain licenses as prepaid contractors from Service Alberta. A prepaid contractor means that you take a deposit before you complete your work. You may also be interested in the Alberta Roofing Contractors Association.

Saskatchewan

License required: No
Roofing association: Saskatchewan Roofing Contractors Association
Other resources: Licensing Requirements in Saskatchewan

Roofing is not a regulated occupation in Saskatchewan, therefore roofers do not need a license. Roofer training and certification is available from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. You may also be interested in the Saskatchewan Roofing Contractors Association.

Manitoba

License required: No
Roofing association: Manitoba Sloped Roofing Association or Roofing Contractors Association of Manitoba.

As with other provinces, roofing does not require a license in Manitoba, although roofing trade certification is available. Residential contractors may be interested in the Manitoba Sloped Roofing Association. Those who focus more on commercial or flat roof work may be interested in the Roofing Contractors Association of Manitoba.

Ontario

License required: No
Licensing authority: Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU)
Roofing association: Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association
Other resources: Red Seal

Roofing trade certification is available in Ontario but it is not mandatory. You may start with an apprenticeship through the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU). You may then apply for the certification through the Red Seal. You may also seek training and other information through the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association.

Quebec

License required: Yes, certification
Licensing authority: Association des Maîtres Couvreurs de Quebec
License Look-up: License Holder Repertory
Roofing association: Commission de la Construction du Quebec
Other resources: Red Seal

Quebec is currently the only province that requires roofers to complete a roofing trade certification before they begin work. The Commission de la Construction du Quebec (CCQ) oversees the certification process. In order to earn it, you will need to complete two apprenticeship periods, which amounts to 4000 hours. You must also complete a period of working as a journeyman.

You may also opt to get a Red Seal certification for roofing, but it is not mandatory. You can learn more about roofing certification in Quebec from the Association des Maîtres Couvreurs de Quebec, or the Quebec Association of Master Roofers (AMCQ).

New Brunswick

License required: No
Other resources: New Brunswick Roofer Apprenticeship

The government of New Brunswick offers roofing training and certification, but it is not mandatory. You may also be interested in joining or receiving training from the New Brunswick Roofing Contractors Association.

Nova Scotia

License required: No
Roofing association: Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia
Other resources: Red Seal certification

 

The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency offers training for roofers. You may instead choose to seek a Red Seal certification, which is recognized in the province. You may also be interested in the Roofing Contractors Association of Nova Scotia.

Prince Edward Island

 

License required: No
Roofing association: The Construction Association of Prince Edward Island
Other resources: Contractor Licensing Contact Information

As roofing is not a compulsory trade in P.E.I., roofers do not need a license. Roofing trade certification is available in Prince Edward Island, but the province does not keep a registry of apprentices. You need 8,000 hours to challenge the Trade Qualifier test, which, if completed, will give you a certification. This province is too small to have its own roofing organization, but you could join The Construction Association of Prince Edward Island, or join the roofing association of New Brunswick, as some roofers in P.E.I. have.

Newfoundland and Labrador

License required: No
Licensing authority: Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

As in other provinces, roofing training and certification is available but not mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour oversees the certification process.

Interprovincial Work

If you would like to work in multiple provinces, you will require a Red Seal trade certification.

Territories

Yukon

License required: No, certification optional
Other resources: Red Seal

The Yukon certifies roofers through the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal examinations.

Northwest Territories

License required: No, certification optional
Other resources: Red Seal

In order to become a roofer in the Northwest Territories, you may pass a Red Seal examination. In preparation for this you may complete 9,000 apprenticeship hours. However, these qualifications are not required.

Nunavut

License required: No
Licensing authority: Department of Family Services
Other resources: Red Seal

Nunavut’s Department of Family Services oversees trade certifications. Roofers may earn a Red Seal certification.

Get A Certification from IKO

If you’re looking for other certifications that can help you stand out from the crowd, consider becoming an IKO ROOFPRO contractor.