Roofing license requirements in Illinois

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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues the Roofing Contractor license under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335). There are two types: a Limited license for residential buildings of up to eight units, and an Unlimited license for residential, commercial, and industrial work. The licensee must put the license number (format 104-XXXXXX) and the business name on every contract, bid, and building permit application. A subcontractor who does the roofing must also hold the license. Ask to see the license number and check it on the IDFPR lookup.

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 Illinois

If insurance will pay for the work, you can cancel the contract before midnight on the fifth business day after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered. A contractor may not pay or rebate any part of your deductible to get the job.

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 IDFPR License Lookup. Check that the name and the status match the company you talk to.

Open the IDFPR License Lookup