Roof companies need different permits and licenses depending on where you live and what work they're doing
Before a roofing contractor starts work on your home, they should have obtained a roofing permit from your city or county building department. This permit proves the work will meet local building codes and safety standards. The contractor is responsible for getting the permit — not you — though you may see it posted on your property during the job.
Beyond the permit for your specific project, roofing companies must hold a business license and a roofing contractor license in most states. These are separate from the job permit and show the company is registered to operate legally in your area. The requirements and names for these licenses vary significantly by state and sometimes by city.
You should ask any roofing company for proof of their licenses and insurance before signing a contract. This protects you if something goes wrong during the work.
Key Takeaways
- Roofing contractors must obtain a permit from your local building department for your specific project before work begins.
- Roofing companies must hold a business license and a roofing contractor license in most states, which are separate from project permits.
- License requirements and names differ by state — some states call it a "roofing license," others use "contractor license" or "trade license."
- You should request proof of current licenses and insurance from any roofing company before signing a contract.
- If a company cannot show you these documents, that is a red flag and you should contact a different contractor.
What a roofing permit covers and who gets it
A roofing permit is issued by your local building department for the work on your specific house. It typically covers roof replacement, major repairs, additions, or structural changes. Small repairs like replacing a few shingles or fixing a leak usually do not require a permit, though rules vary by location.
The contractor applies for the permit, pays the fee (usually $50 to $300 depending on your area), and submits plans or photos of the work. The building department reviews these to make sure the work meets local codes. Once approved, the permit is posted on your property, and a building inspector may visit during or after the work to verify it was done correctly.
You should see this permit before work starts. If the contractor says a permit is not needed when you believe it is, contact your local building department directly — they can tell you what requires a permit in your area.
Business licenses and roofing contractor licenses
A business license is a general registration that allows any company to operate in your city or county. It is not specific to roofing. A roofing company gets this from your city or county clerk's office, usually by paying an annual fee.
A roofing contractor license (or trade license) is specific to roofing work and shows the company has met training, experience, and testing requirements set by your state. Not all states require this — some states have no roofing license requirement at all. Others require it only if the roofing job exceeds a certain dollar amount. A few states require roofing contractors to be licensed like electricians or plumbers, with apprenticeship hours and exams.
The name and requirements differ widely. Some states call it a "roofing contractor license," others call it a "home improvement contractor license" or "general contractor license." Some require only the business license. You can check your state's requirements by searching "[your state] roofing contractor license requirements" or by calling your state's licensing board or attorney general's office.
Insurance and bonding requirements
Beyond licenses, roofing companies should carry liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Liability insurance covers damage the contractor causes to your home or property. Workers' compensation covers medical bills if a worker is injured on your job.
These are not licenses, but they are critical. Ask the contractor for a certificate of insurance showing both types of coverage. The certificate should list your address as the project location. If the contractor cannot provide this, do not hire them — you could be liable if a worker is injured.
Some states also require contractors to post a bond, which is a financial may provide that the work will be completed as promised. Bonding requirements vary by state and by the size of the job. Ask your local building department whether bonding is required in your area.
How to verify a contractor's licenses before hiring
Ask the roofing company for copies of their business license, roofing contractor license (if required in your state), liability insurance certificate, and workers' compensation certificate. A legitimate company will provide these without hesitation.
You can also verify licenses independently. Call your city or county clerk's office and ask if the company name is registered. Contact your state's licensing board (often part of the Department of Consumer Affairs or similar agency) and ask if the company holds a roofing license. Many states have online license lookup tools on their websites.
Check the Better Business Bureau and online reviews, but remember that reviews alone do not confirm a company is licensed. A company with good reviews can still be unlicensed, and an unlicensed company operating illegally may have few complaints straightforward because injured customers do not know where to report them.
What happens if you hire an unlicensed contractor
If a roofing company works without the required license or permit, you lose important protections. If the work is faulty and causes damage, you may have no legal recourse because the contractor was operating illegally. If a worker is injured and the company has no workers' compensation insurance, you could be sued personally.
Additionally, unpermitted work can create problems when you sell your home. A home inspector or title company may discover the work was done without a permit, and the buyer may refuse to close or demand the work be redone by a licensed contractor with a new permit.
If you discover a contractor worked without required licenses or permits after the job is done, contact your local building department and your state's licensing board to file a complaint. This helps protect other homeowners from the same contractor.
Roofing work that typically requires a permit versus work that does not
Work that usually requires a permit includes full roof replacement, adding a second story or dormer, structural repairs, changing the roof pitch or shape, and installing skylights or vents that penetrate the roof. Work that usually does not require a permit includes replacing a few damaged shingles, patching a leak, cleaning gutters, and explore sealant or coating.
The line between "repair" and "replacement" matters. If you are replacing more than 25 percent of the roof surface (rules vary by location), most jurisdictions require a permit. If you are replacing less, it may be considered a repair and not require one. When in doubt, ask your local building department before hiring a contractor.
Some contractors may suggest skipping the permit to save money and time. This is a warning sign. Legitimate contractors factor permit costs into their bids and understand that permits protect both the homeowner and the contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a roofing company that does not have a license if my state does not require one?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Even if your state does not require a roofing license, the contractor should still have a business license and liability insurance. A company without any licenses or insurance is taking a significant risk with your home and your finances.
What if the roofing company says they will get the permit after the work is done?
Do not accept this arrangement. The permit must be obtained before work begins so the building department can review the plans and the inspector can observe the work. A permit obtained after the fact does not provide the same protection and may not be issued at all if the work does not meet code.
Do I need to check the contractor's license myself, or is that their responsibility?
It is the contractor's responsibility to hold the required licenses, but it is your responsibility to verify them before hiring. Asking for proof protects you. If a contractor refuses to show you their licenses, that is a strong reason to hire someone else.
What should I do if I hired a contractor and later found out they were unlicensed?
Contact your local building department and your state's licensing board to file a complaint. If the work is faulty, you may be able to pursue a claim through small claims court or consult with an attorney about your options. Document everything — photos, contracts, receipts, and communications with the contractor.
Does the contractor's insurance cover damage if something goes wrong during the roof work?
Yes, if the contractor has liability insurance. That is why you should always request a certificate of insurance before work begins. If damage occurs and the contractor has no insurance, you would need to pursue a lawsuit against them personally, which is often not worth the cost.