Roofing license
Roofing license requirements in Tennessee
Yes — roofing subcontractors in Tennessee must hold a state contractor license for any job amount, and roofing is licensed by the state Board for Licensing Contractors.
The short answer
Yes — roofing subcontractors in Tennessee must hold a state contractor license for any job amount, and roofing is licensed by the state Board for Licensing Contractors.
Do you need a license to roof in Tennessee?
Contractor license with a roofing classification, issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Who issues it: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance).
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Tennessee 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
Contractor license with a roofing classification, issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Issuing board
Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) — tn.gov/commerce
Exam required
Yes
Experience / qualification
Documented roofing/construction experience for the qualifying agent; the board also requires a reviewed or audited financial statement (or, from July 1, 2026, a surety-bond alternative).
Bond
From July 1, 2026, a contractors' surety bond (at least 50% of the requested monetary limit) can replace the CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement.
Insurance minimum
General liability and, where you have employees, workers' compensation.
Application fee
Set by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors; a financial statement or surety bond is also required.
Renewal
License renews every two years; keep your financial documentation and insurance current.
Reciprocity
Tennessee has reciprocity with some states for the business/law exam — confirm current terms with the board.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License type / class | Contractor license with a roofing classification, issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. |
| Issuing board | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (Dept. of Commerce & Insurance) — tn.gov/commerce |
| Exam required | Yes |
| Experience / qualification | Documented roofing/construction experience for the qualifying agent; the board also requires a reviewed or audited financial statement (or, from July 1, 2026, a surety-bond alternative). |
| Bond | From July 1, 2026, a contractors' surety bond (at least 50% of the requested monetary limit) can replace the CPA-reviewed or audited financial statement. |
| Insurance minimum | General liability and, where you have employees, workers' compensation. |
| Application fee | Set by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors; a financial statement or surety bond is also required. |
| Renewal | License renews every two years; keep your financial documentation and insurance current. |
| Reciprocity | Tennessee has reciprocity with some states for the business/law exam — confirm current terms with the board. |
How to get a roofing license in Tennessee
- Confirm the classification you need — roofing subcontractors must be licensed for any dollar amount in Tennessee.
- Prepare a reviewed or audited financial statement (or plan to use the new surety-bond option).
- Pass the Business & Law exam and the roofing trade exam.
- Apply to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors with your documentation.
- Renew every two years and keep insurance in force.
Working without a license in Tennessee
Roofing without the required contractor license can bring civil penalties and disciplinary action from the board.
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: tn.gov/commerce
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