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 Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) issues the license. Under Minn. Stat. 326B.805 a residential roofer must be licensed as a residential roofer, residential building contractor, or residential remodeler. A company with under $15,000 in gross annual receipts may file for a certificate of exemption instead. Cities and counties may not require a local license from a state-licensed contractor. Ask to see the DLI license number and check it online.
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 Minnesota
A contractor may not promise to pay any part of your insurance deductible, or offer you anything of value, to get insurance-paid work. If a contractor breaks this rule, your insurer does not have to consider that contractor's estimate.
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 Minnesota DLI License Lookup. 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.