Who needs a license
State registration required. The state keeps a list of registered contractors. The roofer pays a fee and shows proof of insurance, but takes no trade exam.
Delaware has no trade license for roofing. A roofing company must register with the Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration before it starts work (19 Del. C. ch. 36) and must hold a contractor business license from the Division of Revenue. Neither involves an exam. New Castle County requires a county contractor license for construction work outside its towns and cities. Other counties and cities set their own rules; check with the local building department. Ask to see the Delaware business license and the contractor registration.
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.
We found no Delaware rule on roof insurance claims that we could confirm on the state's own pages.
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 Delaware Registered Construction Contractors. 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.