Who needs a license
Licensed by city or county. The state does not license roofers. Your city or county may. Ask your building department what it asks of a roofer.
The NY Department of State says New York State does not license home improvement contractors. It names New York City, Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties, and the City of Buffalo as places that do. In New York City, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection issues the Home Improvement Contractor license. Ask for the local license number and check it with the issuing city or county.
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 New York
If your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim is not covered, you can cancel the roofing contract by midnight of the third business day after you get that notice. A roofing contractor may not pay or rebate your deductible, and may not report, adjust or negotiate your claim for you.
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 NYC DCWP License Search (New York City only). 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.