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 Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues two credentials. The business holds a Dwelling Contractor certification, which needs a $25,000 bond or $250,000 liability insurance. The business must also hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, who completes a 12-hour course and 12 hours of continuing education every two years. No one may obtain a building permit for a one- or two-family dwelling without both. Ask for both DSPS credential numbers.
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 Wisconsin
If insurance will pay for exterior work such as a roof, you can cancel the contract by the end of the third business day after your insurer tells you in writing that it denied the claim in whole or in part. A contractor may not promise to pay or rebate your deductible, and generally 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 Wisconsin DSPS 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.