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 Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) issues the Home Improvement Contractor license as a Basic Business License. It covers repair and alteration of residential property, which includes roofing. The applicant needs a $25,000 surety bond, liability insurance and a sample home improvement contract; no trade exam is listed. Each contractor must also have at least one licensed Home Improvement Salesperson, who files a police history report. Ask to see the Basic Business License and the HIC endorsement.
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 District of Columbia 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 DLCP SCOUT business license 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.