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 West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board issues the license. State law defines a contractor as anyone paid for work of $5,000 or more on a home, or $25,000 or more on commercial property. Roofers hold a license with a classification that covers their scope. The applicant must pass a written exam for each classification and a business and law exam. Ask for the WV license number and check it in the Board's search.
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 West Virginia
If insurance will pay for your roof, you can cancel the contract before midnight of the fifth business day after your insurer tells you that all or part of the claim is not covered. The roofer may not ask for advance payment before that time ends. A roofer may not pay or rebate your deductible, and may not 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 WV Contractor Licensing Board Contractor 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.