Table of Contents
Introduction
You should always confirm that a roofing contractor has a valid license to do business in your area before you even think about hiring them to work on your roof. Any legitimate roofing contractor will be perfectly happy to provide you with his license ID number.
You can then check his license online on the website of the state agency that regulates contractors in your state to verify that he’s running a legal business. On most of these state websites, you can also look up a roofing company just by using the name of the company. If you live in one of the dwindling number of places where a professional license is not required to perform roofing work, you should get the contractor’s business registration number. You can check that at least. You need to be positive that the contractor is licensed to do business in your state. Using an unlicensed contractor can have some irritating consequences for you.
It may be difficult to get roof repairs covered by a roofing manufacturer warranty if the roof installer was unlicensed. Some manufacturers might still honor a warranty if all other installation requirements are met, but many do require the use of licensed or certified contractors. (It’s best to check the specifics in your manufacturer’s warranty.)
Also consider that if a contractor is willing to operate without a license, he’s probably willing to operate without getting his other paperwork in order, either. This might include permits, warranties, insurance, and even the roofing contract. Without a proper contract, you’re going to find it very hard to get what you think you’re paying for. And if he’ll take shortcuts with the law, he’ll probably take shortcuts with your roof. This could end up costing you a lot of money down the road.
If a contractor refuses to provide you with a contractor’s license number, it’s a pretty good sign that you’re dealing with a shady, fly-by-night operator. Don’t have anything more to do with him. If he does give you a number, verify it!
Roofing Contractor Licensing Requirements in the U.S.
There are no national licensing requirements for roofing contractors in the United States.
A few states specifically require roofing contractors to have a roofing contractor’s license. Many states require roofing contractors to hold building contractor or home improvement licenses. Some states do not require roofing contractors to be licensed at all at the state level, and leave roofing contractor regulation to local authorities. In states without a specific statewide roofing or home improvement license, many municipalities do require local registration.
A contractor’s license is normally only valid in the state where it was issued. If a roofing contractor does business in more than one state, they will need to register in each state that they plan on doing business in. There will be separate licensing records for each jurisdiction where they are legally permitted to operate. Some states have limited reciprocity agreements with other states, but you should verify that directly with the state licensing board to be sure.
Looking up a Roofing Contractor’s License Online
The links that I’ve listed below will help you with your roofing contractor license lookup. The links take you to the official state web pages that explain the licensing requirements for roofing contractors in each state, as well as the pages where you can verify the contractor’s license.
In cases where no contractor license is required for roofing contractors, I give you a link that lets you verify a contractor’s business license, so you can at least tell if a roofer has a valid license to do business in your state.
Once you are on your state government website’s contractor look-up page, you should be able to type the roofing contractor’s business name into the database search field and get a result. If you have the contractor’s license ID number, there’s usually a separate search field just for that, and it tends to be a lot easier to find the records you want. Business names are often not the same as the legal name of the business, and searching for the “Doing Business As” name may or may not work. It depends on the quality of the state website (don’t put your faith in it). It’s best to have the contractor’s license number.
On many of these sites, after you’ve got your search results back, You can click on the contractor’s name or license number, and that will bring up more information about the contractor, such as how long they’ve been in business. In some states, you can also see any disciplinary actions or complaints filed against the contractor.
About the Links on this Page
The first link under each state takes you to the state licensing requirements webpage so you can see what contractors have to do to get licensed. The second link takes you to the state database page where you can search by the contractor license number, the roofing contractor’s company name, or (usually) the business owner’s name.
I try to keep these links up-to-date, but a lot of state governments have outdated websites and they are just now getting around to updating their sites and changing things. Because of these updates, occasionally a link will change and you will click on one of the links we provide and it won’t work properly.
If this happens, try going to the home page of the state government website. There should be a general “search this website” field at the top or on the side of the page. Search for “Contractor License Look Up” or “Verify Contractor License” and it should show you the page that you want. You can also contact your state or local licensing board directly by phone or email if nothing else works.
Canada
Canada’s Business Registries – Look up businesses in Canada – Search by name, business number, or registry ID
Note: Licensing requirements for roofing contractors in Canada may also be regulated at the provincial or territorial level. Be sure to check local regulations.
United Kingdom
Although the UK does not require contractor licenses for roofing contractors, you can look up UK businesses here and see if they are properly registered. Make sure you put the name of the business inside of quotation marks in the search field, or you’ll end up with thousands of unrelated search results. Building regulations and health and safety requirements still apply to roofing work in the UK, so make sure the contractor is in compliance.
United States
Alabama
Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – Alabama
Alaska
Verify Contractor’s License – Alaska
Arizona
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – Arizona
Arkansas
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
Verify Contractor’s License – Arkansas
California
Contractors State License Board
Verify Contractor’s License – California
Colorado
In Colorado, roofers are not licensed at the state level. Many Colorado cities and counties have their own licensing requirements, rules, and regulations.
Look for the building inspector’s office or the building department on the municipal websites. Always confirm with the relevant city or county offices, as requirements can vary widely.
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Verify Contractor’s License – Colorado Business Database Search
Verify Contractor’s License – Colorado Towns and Cities – This link takes you to a list of municipal websites in Colorado.
Verify Contractor’s License – Colorado Counties – This link takes you to a list of county websites in Colorado.
Connecticut
Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection
Verify Contractor’s License – Connecticut
Delaware
Delaware Division of Revenue – Contractors, Resident and Non-resident
Verify Business License – Delaware
Verify Contractor’s License – Delaware
Florida
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Verify Contractor’s License – Florida
Georgia
Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division
Verify Business License – Georgia
Verify Contractor’s License – Georgia
Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Professional and Vocational Licensing
Verify Contractor’s License – Hawaii
Idaho
State of Idaho – Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
Verify Contractor’s License – Idaho – Click on “Search for Licenses” and then select “Contractors Board” for “the board for the type of license you are searching for” on the next page.
Illinois
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Roofing Contractor
Verify Contractor’s License – Illinois
Indiana
Indiana Business Owner’s Guide. Quoted from the site: “The only construction contractors licensed by the State of Indiana are plumbers. Many of the other specific areas require local licensing which vary by city and county”. Check city or county requirements for roofing contractors, as many local governments have their own rules.
See here for a list of municipal websites in Indiana.
Verify Business License – Indiana
Iowa
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing – Contractor Registration
Verify Contractor’s License – Iowa
Kansas
Kansas Attorney General – Roofing Contractor Registration
Verify Contractor’s License – Kansas
Kentucky
Kentucky.gov – County Information page. This page lets you find municipal websites in Kentucky. Kentucky contractors may or may not have licensing requirements at the local level; the local websites are where you have to check for this information. Look for the building inspector’s office or the building department on the municipal websites. Always confirm local requirements.
Verify Contractor’s License – Kentucky (Business registration only.)
Louisiana
Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – Louisiana
Maine
Home improvement contractors are not licensed or regulated by the State of Maine.
General licenses to operate a business are managed at the town/city level in Maine. Contact your town office for information. To obtain contact information for your town office or to locate your municipal website, visit the Maine.gov Local Government portal.
Verify (some) Contractors’ Licenses – Maine
Remember to check with your local municipality, as business registration requirements can vary.
Maine.gov – Business Licensing
Maryland
Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Verify Contractor’s License – Maryland Home Improvement Commission
Verify Contractor’s License – Maryland Home Builder Registration Unit
Massachusetts
Mass.gov – Home Improvement Contractor Registration and Renewal
Mass.gov – Construction Supervisor Licensing
Verify Contractor’s License – Business License Look-Up
Verify Contractor’s License – Home Improvement Contractor Registration Look-Up
Verify Contractor’s License – Office of Public Safety and Inspections License Verification Site
Michigan
Bureau of Professional Licensing
Verify Contractor’s License – Michigan
Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Residential Contractors, Remodelers, Roofers
Verify Contractor’s License – Minnesota
Mississippi
Roofing contractors generally need a license in Mississippi if the project meets certain cost thresholds. Check with the Board for specifics.
Mississippi State Board of Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – Mississippi
Missouri
Mo.gov – City and County Government. This page lets you find municipal websites in Missouri. Missouri contractors may or may not have licensing requirements at the local level; the local websites are where you have to check for this information. Look for the building inspector’s office or the building department on the municipal websites.
Verify Contractor’s License – Missouri (Business registration only.)
Montana
Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Montana Contractor
Verify Contractor’s License – Montana Independent Contractor and Contractor Registration Search
Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Labor – Contractor Information
Verify Contractor’s License – Nebraska
Nevada
Nevada State Contractors Board
Verify Contractor’s License – Nevada
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Verify Contractor’s License – New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs – Home Improvement Contractor
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Information for New Home Builders
Verify Contractor’s License – New Jersey
New Mexico
New Mexico E-Services for Contractor Licensing
Verify Contractor’s License – New Mexico
New York
Contractor licensing in New York is done at the local level. This is a list of New York counties. Municipality websites can be reached from the pertinent county page on that list, and most county websites as well. A list of New York county websites can also be found here. Look for the building inspector’s office or the building department on the municipal websites.
Verify Contractor’s License – New York (Business registration)
North Carolina
Roofing contractors are not required to be licensed in North Carolina for roofing jobs that are less than $30,000. Very few residential roofing jobs cost that much, so many, many residential roofers in North Carolina won’t have a license because they don’t need one.
Verify Contractor’s License – North Carolina Secretary of State Business Registration Search
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
North Dakota
North Dakota Secretary of State – Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – North Dakota
Ohio
Contractor licensing in Ohio is done at the local level. You can find a directory of Ohio municipal websites on this page: Ohio.gov – Local Government. Look for the building inspector’s office or the building department on the municipal websites.
Verify Contractor’s License – Ohio (Business registration only.)
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Construction Industries Board – Roofing Industry
Verify Contractor’s License – Oklahoma
Oregon
Oregon Construction Contractors Board
Verify Contractor’s License – Oregon
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Verify Contractor’s License – Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General – Home Improvement
Verify Contractor’s License – Pennsylvania Department of State – Business Search
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board
Verify Contractor’s License – Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board
Verify Contractor’s License – South Carolina – Commercial Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – South Carolina – Residential Builders
South Dakota
South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development – Start Your Business
Verify Contractor’s License – South Dakota
Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance – Contractors and Home Improvement
Verify Contractor’s License – Tennessee
Texas
Texas is difficult. Contractor licensing in Texas is done at the local level (if it’s done at all). You can find a directory of Texas municipal websites on this page: Texas Municipal League – City Officials Directory.
Verify Contractor’s License – Texas Secretary of State OnLine Access (SOSDirect) – “The Secretary of State OnLine Access (SOSDirect) web access system provides subscribers with up-to-date, on-line computer access to a variety of information maintained by the Office of the Secretary of State.” They charge a dollar per search.
Verify Contractor’s License – Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts – Taxable Entity Search – This only allows you to verify that a company has registered as a “taxable entity” in Texas. This is kind of like a business registration and worth checking.
Licensed Roofing Contractor Program – This is an entirely voluntary program for Texas roofing contractors run by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT). It’s good that someone is making the effort.
Find a Roofing Contractor Licensed by RCAT – Because this is voluntary, only a small percentage of roofers in Texas will be listed.
Utah
Utah.gov – Business – Government Requirements
Verify Contractor’s License – Utah
Vermont
Vermont Secretary of State – Professional Regulation
Verify Contractor’s License – Vermont (Business registration)
Virginia
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Board for Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – Virginia
Washington, DC
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
Verify Contractor’s License – Washington, DC – Unfortunately, Washington, D.C. now requires you to register an account with the city website in order to access the contractor license verification service. You have to give them your phone number and email address.
Washington State
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries – Contractors
Verify Contractor’s License – Washington State
West Virginia
West Virginia Division of Labor – Contractor Licensing Board
Verify Contractor’s License – West Virginia
Wisconsin
State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services – Dwelling Contractor
Verify Contractor’s License – Wisconsin
Wyoming
Contractor licensing in Wyoming is done at the local level. As with other local-licensing states, always contact the municipal or county office to confirm current requirements. You can find a directory of Wyoming municipal websites at the Wyoming County Commissioners Association website. Also see Wyoming County Clerks.
Verify Contractor’s License – Wyoming (Business registration only)
