Who needs a license
State license required. The state issues a license for roofing work. The roofer meets the state’s rules to get it, and you can look the license up.
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) issues the license. The roofing classes are R-42 Roofing (residential), C-42 Roofing (commercial) and CR-42 Roofing (dual). A license is required when labor and materials exceed $1,000, or whenever a building permit is required, no matter the price (A.R.S. 32-1121). Cities do not add a separate roofing license. Ask to see the ROC license number; it must appear on bids and contracts.
Bond and insurance
A license or registration is not insurance. Ask every roofer for a certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Then call the insurer to confirm the policy is active. If the state asks a roofer for a bond, the rules above say so.
Roof insurance rules in Arizona
After a catastrophic storm in an area an insurer names, a roofing contract must let you cancel within 72 hours after your insurer denies the claim. You can also cancel for any reason within four business days after you sign. The estimate must say the contractor made no promise that insurance will pay.
Permits
Confirm roof permit requirements with the building department responsible for your address and scope of work. Agree with your contractor who will obtain any required permit and arrange inspections before work begins.
How to verify a roofer's license
Ask the roofer for the license or registration number. Then look it up yourself on the state's own site, the Arizona ROC Contractor Search. Check that the name and the status match the company you talk to.
Sources
We read these official pages. Rules change, so check with the state or your building department before you sign. This page is general information. It is not legal advice.
The Roofing List does not check licenses or insurance. Our guide shows how to check a roofer's insurance and license, step by step.