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 Board for Contractors at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) licenses contractors. Class C covers single jobs over $1,000 and under $30,000; Class B covers $30,000 to under $150,000; Class A has no limit. The roofing specialty is ROC (Roofing Contracting); RBC, CBC, HIC and CIC licensees may also do roofing. Ask for the DPOR license number and check that the class and specialty fit the job.
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 Virginia
From January 1, 2027, a contractor may not pay, waive or rebate your deductible, or offer you a gift for a roof inspection or a roof claim. After the Governor declares a state of emergency, you can cancel a roofing contract signed within 180 days of the declaration, within 10 days of signing or by the start date, whichever is first.
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 DPOR 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.