How renewal works in general
A license or registration is good for a fixed period. When it ends, you renew it. The period differs by state and by license type. Some renew every year, some every two years or more. Your license card or the board's lookup page shows your expiry date.
Most renewals ask for some mix of these:
- A renewal form and a fee. Most boards now take both online.
- Current proof of insurance. Many states want a certificate of general liability insurance on file, and proof of workers' compensation or an exemption.
- A bond, if your state requires one. The bond must stay in force for the whole license period.
- Continuing education, where the state requires it. Some boards ask for a set number of course hours each cycle. Others ask for none.
- Updated business details. A new address, owner, business name or qualifying person often needs its own form.
The rules, fees and dates differ from state to state, and they change. Always check the board's own page before you renew.
What happens if a license lapses
A lapse is more than a late fee. In many states, work done on an expired license counts as unlicensed work. That can mean fines and trouble with the board. In some states, an unlicensed contractor cannot go to court to collect payment for the job.
Some boards give a short grace period and charge a late fee. Others make you apply again from the start, and that can take weeks. If your license lapses, stop and call the board before you take new work. Ask what you must do and when you can work again.
Homeowners check, too. A homeowner who looks you up and sees "expired" will often call the next roofer on the list. An active status on the state's lookup page is part of your sales pitch.
A renewal routine that works
- Put the expiry date in your calendar, with a reminder 60 days before.
- Set your insurance renewal dates next to it. A lapsed policy can suspend a license in states that keep insurance on file.
- Book any continuing education early in the cycle, not in the last month.
- Keep your mailing and email address current with the board. Renewal notices go there.
- Renew online as soon as the window opens, and keep the receipt.
- A few days later, look yourself up on the state's lookup page. Check that the status says active and the name matches your contracts.
If you work in more than one state, or in cities that license roofers, keep one list with every license, its number, its expiry date and where to renew it.
Find your state
States fall into four groups. The group tells you who you renew with. Each state's page has its rules, the official lookup, and the board's own pages: see roofing license rules by state.
| Kind | What renewal means | States |
|---|---|---|
| State license | Renew with the state board before the expiry date. Some boards also ask for continuing education, current insurance or a bond. | 24 |
| State registration | Renew the registration with the state. Expect a fee and fresh proof of insurance. Most registrations have no exam. | 15 |
| City or county license | Renew with each city or county where you hold a license. Each one sets its own dates and fees. | 8 |
| No common license | No state renewal. Keep your business registration, insurance and any local permits current. | 4 |
A state with no state license may still license roofers in its larger cities. Ask the building department in each city where you work.