Roofing license
Roofing license requirements in Mississippi
Yes, but only above a dollar threshold: Mississippi requires a State Board of Contractors license for residential roofing/remodeling work over $10,000, and for new residential construction or commercial work over $50,000. Smaller jobs don't require a state license.
The short answer
Yes, but only above a dollar threshold: Mississippi requires a State Board of Contractors license for residential roofing/remodeling work over $10,000, and for new residential construction or commercial work over $50,000. Smaller jobs don't require a state license.
Do you need a license to roof in Mississippi?
Residential license — with an optional 'residential roofer' subclassification requiring its own trade exam — for remodeling/roofing work over $10,000, or new residential construction over $50,000. A separate Commercial license (with roofing available as a specialty classification) is required for commercial work over $50,000.
Who issues it: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC).
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Mississippi 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
Residential license — with an optional 'residential roofer' subclassification requiring its own trade exam — for remodeling/roofing work over $10,000, or new residential construction over $50,000. A separate Commercial license (with roofing available as a specialty classification) is required for commercial work over $50,000.
Issuing board
Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) — msboc.us
Exam required
Yes
Experience / qualification
No fixed hour requirement is set in statute — the board reviews each applicant's documented project experience, complaint history, and other credentials as part of the licensing/exam process.
Bond
No state-required surety bond for the residential builder/remodeler license — MSBOC requires proof of general liability insurance (and workers' compensation, if applicable) instead.
Insurance minimum
General liability insurance is required for active residential licensees (the board reviews the certificate filed, rather than enforcing one fixed statutory minimum); commercial licensees must carry at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
Application fee
$50 for a residential application; $400 for a commercial application (one classification).
Renewal
Annual — residential license renewal is $100 per year (plus a $10 late fee after expiration); commercial renewal is $400 per year (plus a $50 late fee). Licenses not renewed within 180 days of expiration cannot be renewed and require a brand-new application.
Reciprocity
MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with some other states that waive the trade exam only — applicants from those states still have to complete the rest of the application and requirements. Check MSBOC's current reciprocity list before assuming an out-of-state license transfers automatically.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License type / class | Residential license — with an optional 'residential roofer' subclassification requiring its own trade exam — for remodeling/roofing work over $10,000, or new residential construction over $50,000. A separate Commercial license (with roofing available as a specialty classification) is required for commercial work over $50,000. |
| Issuing board | Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) — msboc.us |
| Exam required | Yes |
| Experience / qualification | No fixed hour requirement is set in statute — the board reviews each applicant's documented project experience, complaint history, and other credentials as part of the licensing/exam process. |
| Bond | No state-required surety bond for the residential builder/remodeler license — MSBOC requires proof of general liability insurance (and workers' compensation, if applicable) instead. |
| Insurance minimum | General liability insurance is required for active residential licensees (the board reviews the certificate filed, rather than enforcing one fixed statutory minimum); commercial licensees must carry at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. |
| Application fee | $50 for a residential application; $400 for a commercial application (one classification). |
| Renewal | Annual — residential license renewal is $100 per year (plus a $10 late fee after expiration); commercial renewal is $400 per year (plus a $50 late fee). Licenses not renewed within 180 days of expiration cannot be renewed and require a brand-new application. |
| Reciprocity | MSBOC has reciprocity agreements with some other states that waive the trade exam only — applicants from those states still have to complete the rest of the application and requirements. Check MSBOC's current reciprocity list before assuming an out-of-state license transfers automatically. |
How to get a roofing license in Mississippi
- Figure out which threshold applies to your job: over $10,000 for residential roofing/remodeling, or over $50,000 for new residential construction or commercial work.
- File a written application with MSBOC and pay the fee ($50 residential, $400 commercial) — ask specifically for the residential roofer subclassification if that's your focus.
- Pass the board's written exam (70 percent minimum) covering the classification you're applying for; an oral exam is available if you can't take the written test.
- Provide proof of general liability insurance (and workers' compensation, if you have employees) naming MSBOC on the policy.
- Once licensed, complete continuing education annually (2 hours for residential licensees) and renew every 12 months before your license expires.
- Disclose your insurance coverage to every customer in writing, in bold type, right before the signature line on your contract — Mississippi law requires it.
Working without a license in Mississippi
Contracting above the threshold without a license is a misdemeanor: a fine of $100 to $5,000, 30 to 60 days in county jail, or both. An unlicensed contractor also can't sue to enforce a contract or file a mechanic's lien, and the board can issue a citation and stop work on the job.
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: msboc.us
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