Roofing Contractor Licensing — by State
Compare roofing contractor license requirements across the top 10 US states. Fees, exam structure, experience requirements, bond minimums, insurance, and reciprocity — all in one place.
Roofing contractor licensing varies wildly by state. Some (California, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan) require a state-issued license with experience, exam, and bond. Others (Texas for roofing, New York and Pennsylvania for HVAC) have no state license — only local registration. Pick your state below for the full breakdown.
California
State licenseContractors State License Board (CSLB)
Application: $450Renewal: biennialExam: YesTexas
Local rulesNo state-level roofing license. Local jurisdictions and the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) provide voluntary certification.
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: NoFlorida
State licenseFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Construction Industry Licensing Board
Application: $249Renewal: biennialExam: YesNew York
Local rulesNo state-level roofing license. New York City requires a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license through the Department of Consumer Affairs. Other localities have their own requirements.
Application: $100Renewal: biennialExam: YesPennsylvania
Local rulesPennsylvania Office of Attorney General — Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. Not a license, but mandatory.
Application: $50Renewal: biennialExam: NoIllinois
State licenseIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Application: $50Renewal: biennialExam: YesOhio
Local rulesNo state-level roofing license. Cities including Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati each have their own contractor registration.
Application: $0Renewal: annualExam: NoGeorgia
Local rulesGeorgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors does not specifically license roofing. Roofing falls under general contracting if the project exceeds $2,500.
Application: $200Renewal: biennialExam: YesNorth Carolina
State licenseNorth Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
Application: $75Renewal: annualExam: YesMichigan
State licenseMichigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes
Application: $195Renewal: triennialExam: Yes
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