Roofing license
Roofing license requirements in Illinois
Yes — Illinois is one of the few states with a dedicated roofing license: every roofing contractor must hold a state license from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
The short answer
Yes — Illinois is one of the few states with a dedicated roofing license: every roofing contractor must hold a state license from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Do you need a license to roof in Illinois?
Limited roofing license (residential, 8 units or fewer) or Unlimited roofing license (residential, commercial, and industrial), issued by IDFPR.
Who issues it: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Illinois roofing license at a glance
Every figure here is a plain-English starting point read from the official state board — always confirm the current requirements at the source before you rely on them.
License type / class
Limited roofing license (residential, 8 units or fewer) or Unlimited roofing license (residential, commercial, and industrial), issued by IDFPR.
Issuing board
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — idfpr.illinois.gov
Exam required
Yes
Experience / qualification
No fixed experience requirement, but the qualifying party must pass the state roofing exam.
Bond
Surety bond of $10,000 for a Limited license or $25,000 for an Unlimited license.
Insurance minimum
Public liability and property damage insurance, plus workers' compensation coverage.
Application fee
$125 application fee, plus about $248 for the state exam.
Renewal
Licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years; renewal is about $62.50 with a continuing-education requirement.
Reciprocity
No reciprocity — every roofing contractor working in Illinois must hold the Illinois license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License type / class | Limited roofing license (residential, 8 units or fewer) or Unlimited roofing license (residential, commercial, and industrial), issued by IDFPR. |
| Issuing board | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — idfpr.illinois.gov |
| Exam required | Yes |
| Experience / qualification | No fixed experience requirement, but the qualifying party must pass the state roofing exam. |
| Bond | Surety bond of $10,000 for a Limited license or $25,000 for an Unlimited license. |
| Insurance minimum | Public liability and property damage insurance, plus workers' compensation coverage. |
| Application fee | $125 application fee, plus about $248 for the state exam. |
| Renewal | Licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years; renewal is about $62.50 with a continuing-education requirement. |
| Reciprocity | No reciprocity — every roofing contractor working in Illinois must hold the Illinois license. |
How to get a roofing license in Illinois
- Choose a Limited (small residential) or Unlimited roofing license.
- Have your qualifying party pass the Illinois roofing exam.
- Secure liability, property-damage, and workers' comp insurance.
- Post the $10,000 (Limited) or $25,000 (Unlimited) surety bond.
- File the application and fee with IDFPR, then renew by December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
Working without a license in Illinois
Roofing without the state license is prohibited and can bring fines and cease-and-desist action from IDFPR.
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Roofing license rules change and often vary by city and county. This page is a plain-English starting point, not legal advice — always confirm the current requirements with the state board linked below before you rely on them.
Verify at the source: idfpr.illinois.gov
Licensed and ready? Now get the site that books the work.
Once you're licensed, the next job comes from being found online — free to build and preview, $49/mo only when you publish.