An Illinois roofing license is required for anyone paid to build, replace, repair or waterproof a roof in Illinois, under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335). The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues two classes: a Limited license for residential buildings of 8 units or fewer and an Unlimited license for residential, commercial and industrial work. Every license needs a qualifying party who passes a state exam, a $10,000 or $25,000 surety bond, liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Illinois runs an exam-based state roofing license, which several neighboring states do not, and the rules changed in August 2025. Public Act 104-427 extended the Act to January 1, 2031, raised penalties, required W-2 qualifying parties and added mandatory contract terms such as a 72-hour cancellation right. Most guides ranking for this topic predate those changes. This page is built from the statute, the Part 1460 rules, IDFPR’s application packet and IDFPR’s own license register.
By The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Key numbers at a glance
These are the Illinois roofing license figures most contractors and homeowners search for. Each is taken from the statute, the administrative rules, IDFPR’s application packet or the state’s exam vendor. Fees and exam details can change between rule updates, so confirm the current amount with IDFPR or Continental Testing Services before you pay.
| Measure | Illinois figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| License classes | Limited (residential, 8 units or fewer) and Unlimited (residential, commercial, industrial) | 225 ILCS 335/2(h), (i) |
| Surety bond | $10,000 Limited; $25,000 Unlimited | 225 ILCS 335/3(2)(d); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.30 |
| Liability insurance minimum | $250,000 per occurrence property damage; $500,000 per occurrence bodily injury | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.20 |
| License application fee | $125 | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.80; IDFPR form DPR-RF |
| Exam fee (each form) | $248 | Continental Testing Services, exam 105 |
| Passing score | 70 | Continental Testing Services candidate bulletin |
| Renewal | $62.50 per year; all licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years (next: December 31, 2027) | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.40, 1460.80 |
| Civil penalty, unlicensed roofing | Up to $15,000 per offense | 225 ILCS 335/10a, as amended by P.A. 104-427 |
| Active roofing contractor licenses | 5,006 (3,172 Unlimited, 1,711 Limited, 123 unclassified) | IDFPR Professional Licensing data, data.illinois.gov, updated October 7, 2026 |
Do you need a roofing license in Illinois?
Yes, if you are paid for roofing work. Section 9 of the Act makes it unlawful to provide professional roofing services, or to hold yourself out as a roofing contractor, without an IDFPR license, and it states that no roofing or waterproofing work may be done except by a licensed roofing contractor or credentialed qualifying party. Illinois sets no dollar threshold, so a small repair for pay is covered too.
Section 9(4), as amended in 2025, adds that everyone performing roofing services must be licensed unless they are a qualifying party or a true employee of a licensed contractor under the Employee Classification Act. In practice, a crew paid on a 1099 as independent subcontractors may need its own license. General contractors, developers and builders that sell roofing as part of a larger job do not need a roofing license themselves, but Section 9(3) says they may subcontract the roofing only to a licensed roofing contractor.
Who is exempt from the Illinois roofing license?
Section 11 of the Act lists the main exemptions: work on your own property, work done for no pay, an employee roofing the employer’s residential property, an employee repairing the employer’s commercial or industrial roof, greenhouses and similar horticultural structures, and farm buildings. Retailers and other sellers of roofing materials or services are exempt when someone else, not their own employees, does the installation.
The administrative rules add a trade carve-out. Under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.5, sheet metal, electrical, plumbing, refrigeration and mason contractors, and carpenters, do not need a roofing license to repair chimneys or install soil pipes, electrical jacks, gutters, heating and cooling vents, wood roof decks or antennas. A gutter installer is therefore usually outside the Act, while a crew replacing shingles is not.
Limited vs unlimited roofing license in Illinois
The Limited license covers residential roofing on properties of 8 units or fewer; the Unlimited license covers residential, commercial and industrial roofing with no building-size limit. The Unlimited license costs more to carry because the bond is $25,000 instead of $10,000, and its qualifying party sits a longer exam. Under Section 5(a-3), permit officials may issue a Limited licensee permits only for residential properties of 8 units or fewer.
| Feature | Limited roofing license | Unlimited roofing license | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of work | Residential properties of 8 units or fewer | Residential, commercial and industrial properties | 225 ILCS 335/2(h), (i) |
| Permits you can pull | Residential, 8 units or fewer only | Residential, commercial and industrial | 225 ILCS 335/5(a-3) |
| Surety bond | $10,000, form BD-LRF | $25,000, form BD-URF | 225 ILCS 335/3(2)(d); IDFPR DPR-RF packet |
| Qualifying party exam | Illinois Residential: 80 questions, 90 minutes | Illinois Residential, Commercial and Industrial: 130 questions, 2.5 hours | CTS candidate bulletin |
| Upgrade path | Pass the 80-question Commercial and Industrial exam, then file a new Unlimited application | Not applicable | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.12(b)(3); DPR-RF packet |
| Share of active licenses (Oct 2026) | 1,711 (34%) | 3,172 (63%) | IDFPR data, data.illinois.gov |
The 8-unit line in the roofing Act is not the same as the 6-unit line in the Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513/10), which defines a covered residence as 6 or fewer dwelling units. A roofer working on a 7- or 8-unit building can hold a Limited license while the home repair consumer rules may not apply to that job.
Illinois roofing license requirements checklist
To get an Illinois roofing contractor license, the business must designate a qualifying party who passes the exam, post a continuous surety bond, carry liability insurance at the rule minimums, show workers’ compensation coverage and an unemployment insurance account if it has employees, and file IDFPR’s application with the $125 fee. The Act and Part 1460 rules set no minimum years of experience, unlike Florida or California.
| Requirement | What IDFPR wants to see | Statute or rule |
|---|---|---|
| Business entity details | Entity type, owners or officers, assumed name filing, and for LLCs and corporations the Secretary of State filing whose purpose clause says limited or unlimited roofing services | 225 ILCS 335/3(1); DPR-RF instructions |
| Qualifying party | One named individual who passes the exam and is active in day-to-day operations | 225 ILCS 335/3(1), 3.5, 4.5 |
| Qualifying party employment | For entities, a W-2 employee of the licensed business; may not be paid on a Form 1099 | 225 ILCS 335/3(3.5), added by P.A. 104-427 |
| Surety bond | $10,000 (Limited) or $25,000 (Unlimited), continuous, from an Illinois-authorized surety, 60 days’ cancellation notice | 225 ILCS 335/3(2)(d), 3.2; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.30 |
| Liability insurance | $250,000 property damage and $500,000 bodily injury per occurrence, on IDFPR form RF-INS | 225 ILCS 335/3(2)(a); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.20 |
| Workers’ compensation | Certificate of insurance or self-insurer approval; sole proprietors and partnerships with no employees may certify instead | 225 ILCS 335/3(2)(b); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.10 |
| Unemployment insurance | IDES employer account number and no delinquency | 225 ILCS 335/3(2)(c) |
| Fee | $125, nonrefundable | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.80 |
| Time limit | Application must be completed within 3 years or the fee is forfeited | 225 ILCS 335/3(6), 3.5(e) |
How to get a roofing license in Illinois
Getting an Illinois roofing license takes two applications, one for the qualifying party’s exam and one for the business license, plus a bond and an insurance certificate. IDFPR asks applicants to allow eight business weeks after filing before checking status. Exams run about four times a year in Hillside and Springfield, so the exam calendar usually sets the overall timeline.
- Pick the license class. Choose Limited if your work stays on residential buildings of 8 units or fewer; choose Unlimited if you will bid commercial, industrial or larger multifamily roofs.
- Set up the business. Form the entity with the Illinois Secretary of State (or file an assumed name with the county clerk for a sole proprietorship). An LLC or corporation’s purpose clause must state that it provides limited or unlimited roofing services under the Act.
- Designate the qualifying party. Name one individual who will take the exam and supervise roofing operations day to day. For an entity, that person must be on payroll as a W-2 employee.
- Apply for the exam. File IDFPR form RF-QP and register with Continental Testing Services, which administers exam 105 for $248. The rules ask for the application 60 days before the exam date.
- Pass the exam. Score 70 or higher on the Residential exam (Limited) or the Residential, Commercial and Industrial exam (Unlimited).
- Buy the bond and insurance. Have a surety complete form BD-LRF or BD-URF and your insurer complete form RF-INS. IDFPR says RF-INS is the only proof of liability coverage it accepts.
- File the license application. Mail form DPR-RF with the $125 fee (or pay online), the bond and insurance forms, workers’ compensation and IDES proof, and entity documents to IDFPR in Springfield.
- Display and use the number. Once issued, put the license number and exact licensed name on every contract, bid, advertisement and commercial vehicle, as Sections 5 and 5.1 require.
The Illinois roofing license exam
The Illinois roofing license exam is a multiple-choice test given by Continental Testing Services (CTS). The Residential exam for a Limited license has 80 questions in 90 minutes; the Residential, Commercial and Industrial exam for an Unlimited license has 130 questions in 2.5 hours. A score of 70 passes, and the CTS bulletin says there is no limit on retakes while your application stays valid.
| Content area | Residential (Limited) | Residential, Commercial and Industrial (Unlimited) | Commercial and Industrial (upgrade only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and employee protection | 25 | 25 | 15 |
| Roofing preparation and materials | 12 | 20 | 10 |
| Steep-slope roofing systems | 20 | 35 | 15 |
| Low-slope roofing systems | 8 | 15 | 10 |
| Rules, regulations and business practices | 15 | 20 | 15 |
| Non-residential roofing systems | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Total questions / time | 80 / 90 min | 130 / 2.5 hr | 80 / 90 min |
Source: Continental Testing Services, Illinois Roofing Industry Licensure Examinations candidate bulletin (May 2021). Section 3.5 of the Act requires both exams to cover Illinois roofing law as well as technical practice.
CTS lists the references the questions come from: the Act and rules, the four-volume NRCA Roofing Manual, the NRCA Safety Manual and Pocket Guide to Safety, the NRCA Waterproofing Manual, NRCA’s asbestos handling guide, the NRCA low-slope repair manual, the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, and Atcheson’s Roofing Construction and Estimating. Candidates may bring a non-programmable calculator. Registration for the November 4, 2026 sitting closed on October 7, 2026; the next posted CTS dates are January 27, March 24 and May 19, 2027, each with a registration deadline about four weeks earlier.
Is the Illinois roofing exam hard?
The exam is moderately hard mainly because of its scope: safety alone is 25 questions on the Residential form, and the Unlimited form adds 15 questions on non-residential systems and doubles the low-slope content. Steep-slope specialists often find the low-slope and commercial sections the hardest. Because CTS allows unlimited retakes while the application is valid, the bigger risk is the 3-year application window in Section 3.5(e).
How much does an Illinois roofing license cost?
The fixed state charges for an Illinois roofing license are $125 to apply and $248 per exam attempt, or $373 if the qualifying party passes on the first try. Renewal runs $62.50 per year. The bond premium and insurance are the larger and more variable costs, and they are priced by your surety and insurer based on credit, payroll and claims history rather than set by the state.
| Cost item | Amount | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| License application | $125 | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.80 |
| Exam (each attempt, any form) | $248, no refunds for missed dates | Continental Testing Services |
| Renewal | $62.50 per year of the cycle | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.80(b) |
| Restoring a non-renewed license | $50 plus lapsed renewal fees, capped at $375 | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.80(c) |
| Surety bond | Premium on a $10,000 or $25,000 bond; quoted by the surety | Private surety market |
| Liability insurance | Premium for at least $250,000 / $500,000 per occurrence; quoted by the insurer | Private insurance market |
| Chicago general contractor license (if working in Chicago) | $300 (Class E) to $3,500 (Class A) per year, 2026 | Chicago Department of Buildings |
Qualifying party rules in Illinois
The qualifying party is the individual whose exam pass and day-to-day supervision hold up a company’s Illinois roofing license. After the 2025 amendments, an entity’s qualifying party must be a W-2 employee, may qualify at most one additional licensee of the same type, and must be replaced quickly if they leave. If the qualifying party slot goes empty, the license becomes inoperative and the company must stop roofing.
- One license, with one exception. A person may qualify a second licensee of the same type only with at least 25% common ownership or management interest, or for a licensed subsidiary (225 ILCS 335/4.5(a)).
- No license renting. The qualifying party may not act for an unlicensed entity or let their credential be used by one (225 ILCS 335/4.5(d)(4), (5)). Section 18(c) of the Home Repair and Remodeling Act separately bars accepting money to let an out-of-area contractor use your name or license.
- Departure deadlines. Both the company and the qualifying party must notify IDFPR within 30 business days of a split; the company then has 60 days to name a replacement, who has 7 months after approval to pass the exam (225 ILCS 335/4.6).
- Fines. IDFPR can fine a qualifying party up to $15,000 per violation and suspend acceptance, which suspends the company’s license until a new qualifying party is accepted (225 ILCS 335/4.5(e)).
What changed in 2025: Public Act 104-427
Public Act 104-427 (Senate Bill 2503), effective August 15, 2025, rewrote much of the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. It moved the Act’s repeal date from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2031, raised fines from $10,000 to $15,000, required W-2 qualifying parties, created an inoperative status, and made roofing contracts carry specific consumer terms. Older guides and exam prep material may not reflect these changes.
| Topic | Before August 15, 2025 | After P.A. 104-427 | Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset date | Act scheduled for repeal January 1, 2026 | Extended to January 1, 2031 | 5 ILCS 80/4.41 |
| Disciplinary fine cap | $10,000 per violation | $15,000 per violation | 225 ILCS 335/9.1(1) |
| Unlicensed practice civil penalty | Up to $10,000 per offense | Up to $15,000 per offense | 225 ILCS 335/10a |
| Qualifying party pay status | Not specified | Must be a W-2 employee; no Form 1099 | 225 ILCS 335/3(3.5) |
| Losing the qualifying party | Notice rules in Part 1460 only | License becomes inoperative; 30 business days to notify, 60 days to name a replacement | 225 ILCS 335/4.6 |
| Written contract | Contract had to list a landline and street address | Written, signed contract with scope, dates, insurer and surety, 72-hour rescission and deductible statement | 225 ILCS 335/5.5 |
| Vehicle marking penalty | $250 | $250 to $1,000, enforceable by IDFPR, the Attorney General or local code officials | 225 ILCS 335/5.1 |
| Key definitions | Short definition of roof repair | New definitions of roof recover, roof replacement, roof section and roof system | 225 ILCS 335/2 |
One definition matters on reroofs: a “roof recover” over 2 or more existing layers now needs a structural condition report from an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer accepted by IDFPR (225 ILCS 335/2(v)). A roof replacement must meet the Illinois Energy Conservation Code (225 ILCS 335/2(w)).
Illinois roofing contract rules and homeowner protections
Before roofing work starts, a licensed Illinois roofing contractor must give the owner a written contract signed by both sides. Under Section 5.5 of the Act, that contract must state the scope, approximate dates, contact details, the surety and liability insurer, a 72-hour full-refund rescission clause, and a statement that the contractor cannot pay or rebate the insurance deductible. Payments must be held in trust until materials arrive or most of the work is done.
The Home Repair and Remodeling Act layers on top for homes of 6 units or fewer:
- Written contract over $1,000. Jobs over $1,000 need a written contract or work order stating the total cost, itemized parts and materials, and the business name and address (815 ILCS 513/15).
- Consumer rights pamphlet. The contractor must hand over the “Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights” pamphlet before signing; over $1,000, the owner signs an acknowledgment form (815 ILCS 513/20).
- Arbitration and jury waiver. The owner must be told about any binding arbitration or jury-waiver clause and may accept or reject each in writing; an unsigned clause is void (815 ILCS 513/15.1).
- Seniors. A buyer aged 65 or older who signed with an uninvited solicitor at home may cancel within 15 full business days (815 ILCS 513/22).
Violations of the Home Repair and Remodeling Act count as violations of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, and an injured homeowner may sue for actual damages (815 ILCS 513/30, 35). Our roofing contract template covers the general clauses; in Illinois, check it against the Section 5.5 list.
Storm chasers and insurance deductibles in Illinois
Illinois has specific post-storm rules. Section 18 of the Home Repair and Remodeling Act bars contractors from advertising or promising to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible, from acting as a public adjuster, from filing a claim for the homeowner, and from climbing on a roof without the owner’s express permission. Owners paying with insurance money also get a cancellation right tied to the claim outcome.
Under 815 ILCS 513/18(e) through (h), an owner who signs a roofing contract to be paid from a property insurance claim may cancel before midnight on the earlier of the fifth business day after the insurer says all or part of the claim is not covered, or the thirtieth business day after the insurer receives a properly executed proof of loss. The contract must print that right in at least 10-point bold type and attach a detachable “Notice of Cancellation” form. The contractor must return payments within 10 days of cancellation, except the reasonable value of emergency work the owner agreed to in writing. Contractors may still give the owner an estimate, talk with the adjuster and discuss repair options. For how Illinois compares with other storm-exposed states, see our storm-chaser exposure report.
Chicago roofing license and permit rules
Chicago does not issue a separate city roofing license. Roofing in Chicago requires the state IDFPR roofing license, and the City’s Express Permit Program rules out any reroofing job where someone without that license does the work. A roofer contracting directly with a Chicago owner also generally needs a City of Chicago general contractor license, because the Department of Buildings counts permit-exempt work under Section 14A-4-402 as a regulated activity.
The Department of Buildings’ general contractor page says a license is not needed by a subcontractor working under a licensed general contractor, or by an owner working on a primary residence of 3 or fewer stories with 6 or fewer units. Classes run from E (projects up to $500,000, $1 million per occurrence insurance, $300 per year in 2026) to A (unlimited, $5 million, $3,500). Licenses last one year and are processed by Continental Testing Services. Confirm your class with the Department before bidding.
| Chicago roofing job | Building permit? | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Roof repair up to 25% of a roof surface, no wall or roof cut-away | Not required, any building | Chicago DOB, permit-not-required list |
| Repair, recover or replacement on a roof pitched 2:12 or steeper, residential building up to 4 stories | Not required | Chicago DOB, permit-not-required list |
| Any work on a low-slope roof, or any structural repair | Required | Chicago DOB, permit-not-required list |
| Roof replacement or recover over 1 layer, no structural work | Express Permit Program eligible | Chicago DOB, Express Permit: Reroofing |
| Recover over 2 or more layers, or structural repairs | Permit with drawings or calculations by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer | Chicago DOB, Express Permit: Reroofing |
Permit-exempt work must still meet the Chicago Construction Codes, and landmark properties may not qualify for the exemptions. Outside Chicago, each Illinois city sets its own permit rules, but Section 5(a-3) of the Act bars any municipality or county from issuing a roofing permit without proof of a current state license. Our roof permit guide covers how permits work in general.
Illinois roofing license lookup: how to verify a contractor
To verify an Illinois roofing license, search the contractor’s name or license number on IDFPR’s online license lookup, or filter the state’s Professional Licensing dataset on data.illinois.gov. A roofing company’s license number starts with 104; a number starting with 105 is a person’s qualifying party credential, not a contracting license. Look for status Active, the right class, and an expiration of December 31, 2027.
| Check | Where | What you want to see |
|---|---|---|
| License status | IDFPR License Look Up | Licensed Roofing Contractor, status Active, expires 12/31/2027 |
| Name match | Contract, bid, truck and ads | The exact licensed name and 104- number on each (225 ILCS 335/5, 5.1) |
| License class | Lookup or data.illinois.gov “Specialty/Qualifier” field | Unlimited for commercial or buildings over 8 units |
| Discipline history | Lookup or data.illinois.gov “Ever Disciplined” field | “N”, or a case you have read and understood |
| Insurance and bond | Certificate of insurance from the agent | Current policy at or above $250,000 / $500,000 |
| Chicago jobs | Ask for the City general contractor license number; confirm with the Chicago Department of Buildings | Active City GC license of the right class |
| Contract terms | The contract itself | 72-hour rescission clause, deductible statement, insurer and surety named (225 ILCS 335/5.5) |
What the Illinois roofing license register shows (October 2026)
The Roofing Brief pulled every roofing record from IDFPR’s Professional Licensing dataset on data.illinois.gov (last updated October 7, 2026). It lists 5,006 active roofing contractor licenses and 12,231 active qualifying party credentials. Roughly 1 in 9 active licensees has an out-of-state address, and about 1 in 12 carries an “ever disciplined” flag, which is why checking the record before signing is worth five minutes.
| Measure (active roofing contractor licenses) | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Total active business licenses | 5,006 | 100% |
| Unlimited | 3,172 | 63.4% |
| Limited | 1,711 | 34.2% |
| Class not shown in the data | 123 | 2.5% |
| Illinois address | 4,440 | 88.7% |
| Out-of-state address (top: Missouri 146, Indiana 96, Iowa 73, Wisconsin 66) | 566 | 11.3% |
| Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry counties | 2,511 | 50.2% |
| “Ever disciplined” flag = Y | 415 | 8.3% |
Source: IDFPR Professional Licensing dataset (pzzh-kp68), data.illinois.gov, records where license type is Roofing Contractor and status is Active, queried October 8, 2026. The same dataset holds 10,626 business licenses marked Not Renewed and 5,371 marked Cancelled, so an old license number on a yard sign proves little on its own. The “ever disciplined” flag covers any past action, which may include minor or resolved matters.
Penalties for unlicensed roofing in Illinois
Unlicensed roofing in Illinois can bring a civil penalty of up to $15,000 per offense from IDFPR, and any violation of the Act is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,500 on a first offense. A second or later conviction is a Class 4 felony with a $25,000 fine, and each day of violation counts as a separate offense under Section 9.8.
| Violation | Penalty | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing, offering or advertising without a license | Civil penalty up to $15,000 per offense | 225 ILCS 335/10a |
| Any violation of the Act, first offense | Class A misdemeanor; fine up to $2,500 | 225 ILCS 335/9.8 |
| Second or subsequent offense | Class 4 felony; $25,000 fine | 225 ILCS 335/9.8 |
| Citation for unlicensed practice (minor cases) | $200 per violation; $400 for repeats within 12 months | 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.75 |
| Licensee discipline | Revocation, suspension, probation or fines up to $15,000 per violation | 225 ILCS 335/9.1 |
| Advertising without the license number | Class A misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine; each day separate | 225 ILCS 335/5(e) |
| Vehicle without license name and number | Civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 | 225 ILCS 335/5.1 |
| Using another contractor’s license number on a permit you do not intend them to perform | Identity theft under the Criminal Code | 225 ILCS 335/5(a-5) |
The citation amounts in Part 1460 were adopted in 2021, before the 2025 statutory increases, and IDFPR may revise them. Homeowners also have civil remedies: the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney or any person injured may seek an injunction against unlicensed practice (225 ILCS 335/10).
Renewal, lapses and inactive status
Every Illinois roofing license expires on December 31 of odd-numbered years, whenever it was issued, so a license granted in 2026 runs only until December 31, 2027. Renewal requires a statement that bond and insurance remain in force, the qualifying party’s name, and the fee at $62.50 per year. Illinois does not require continuing education for roofing contractors under the current rules.
If the bond or insurance lapses, IDFPR cancels the license without a hearing on notice from the carrier, and reissues it once coverage is proven (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.60). A non-renewed license can be restored for $50 plus lapsed fees, capped at $375. After 5 years expired or inactive, restoration also requires proof of practice elsewhere, military service, or a passed exam (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.50). A contractor whose license is expired, inactive or inoperative may not roof in Illinois (225 ILCS 335/6(e), 4.6(h)).
Which Illinois roofing license do you need?
Most Illinois residential roofers need only the Limited license; anyone bidding commercial, industrial or multifamily buildings over 8 units needs the Unlimited license. Out-of-state storm contractors need the same Illinois license as local firms, and Chicago work generally adds a City general contractor license. Use this table as a starting point and confirm the specifics with IDFPR.
| Your situation | What you likely need |
|---|---|
| Shingle and steep-slope reroofs on houses and small apartments | Limited license, Residential exam, $10,000 bond |
| Any commercial, industrial or 9+ unit roof | Unlimited license, Residential, Commercial and Industrial exam, $25,000 bond |
| Limited licensee moving into commercial work | Qualifying party passes the Commercial and Industrial exam; file a new Unlimited application |
| General contractor or builder selling roofing on a bigger project | No roofing license for the GC; subcontract roofing only to a licensed roofer |
| Gutter, chimney, vent or roof-deck carpentry only | Usually no roofing license (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.5); check local trade licensing |
| Out-of-state contractor following a hailstorm | Full Illinois license with an Illinois-tested qualifying party; out-of-state workers’ compensation must cover Illinois |
| Roofing in the City of Chicago | State roofing license plus, if contracting directly, a Chicago general contractor license |
| Homeowner reroofing their own house | No state license (225 ILCS 335/11(3)); local permit rules still apply |
Find a licensed roofer in Illinois
If you are hiring rather than getting licensed, our Illinois metro rankings list contractors we checked against public records, including the IDFPR license register. Each page explains local permit and storm conditions. Always re-verify the license yourself on the day you sign, because status can change after we publish.
- Best roofers in Chicago, IL
- Best roofers in Rockford, IL
- Best roofers in Peoria, IL
- Best roofers in Champaign, IL
- Best roofers in Springfield, IL
- Best roofers in Bloomington, IL
- Metro East and the Quad Cities: St. Louis and Davenport (Illinois addresses still need an Illinois license)
For how Illinois compares with every other state’s licensing and code rules, see the 2026 State Roofing Code and Licensing Report. For other single-state guides, see Florida, California (C-39) and Texas, and for the non-licensing checks to run before you hire, our guide on how to choose a roofing contractor.
FAQ
Do you need a license to do roofing in Illinois?
Yes. Under 225 ILCS 335/9, anyone paid to construct, repair, alter or waterproof a roof in Illinois must hold an IDFPR roofing contractor license or work as a true employee of a licensed contractor. There is no minimum job size. Exemptions cover work on your own property, unpaid work, farm buildings, greenhouses and some employer-employee situations listed in Section 11.
How much does it cost to get a roofing license in Illinois?
The state charges a $125 license application fee, and Continental Testing Services charges $248 for each exam attempt, so the minimum is $373 if the qualifying party passes the first time. Renewal costs $62.50 per year. On top of that you pay premiums for a $10,000 or $25,000 surety bond and liability insurance, which vary by insurer and credit.
How do you get a roofing license in Illinois?
Choose Limited or Unlimited, form the business, and name a qualifying party. That person applies for and passes the CTS exam with a score of 70. The business then files IDFPR form DPR-RF with the $125 fee, a surety bond form, the RF-INS insurance form, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance proof, and entity documents. IDFPR asks applicants to allow eight business weeks.
What is the difference between a limited and unlimited roofing license in Illinois?
A Limited license covers residential roofing on properties with 8 units or fewer and requires a $10,000 bond and the 80-question Residential exam. An Unlimited license covers residential, commercial and industrial roofing, requires a $25,000 bond, and its qualifying party passes the 130-question Residential, Commercial and Industrial exam. Permit offices enforce the 8-unit limit for Limited licensees.
How do I look up an Illinois roofing license?
Search the contractor’s name or number on IDFPR’s online License Look Up, or filter the Professional Licensing dataset on data.illinois.gov by license type Roofing Contractor. A company license number begins with 104, while 105 numbers are qualifying party credentials. Confirm the status is Active, the class fits your building, and the expiration date is December 31, 2027.
Does Chicago require a roofing license or permit?
Chicago has no separate roofing license, but roofers need the state IDFPR license, and contractors working directly for owners generally need a City general contractor license. A permit is not required for repairs up to 25% of a roof surface, or for pitched-roof work on residential buildings up to 4 stories. Low-slope roofs and structural repairs need a permit.
Can an Illinois roofer pay my insurance deductible?
No. Section 18 of the Home Repair and Remodeling Act bars contractors from advertising or promising to pay or rebate any part of an insurance deductible, including through discounts. Since August 2025, Section 5.5 of the Roofing Act also requires every roofing contract to state in writing that the contractor cannot pay, waive or rebate the deductible.
Statute text controls. This page summarizes 225 ILCS 335 as amended by Public Act 104-427, 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460, 815 ILCS 513 and City of Chicago Department of Buildings guidance as of October 2026. It is not legal advice; confirm current requirements with IDFPR at (888) 473-4858 or idfpr.illinois.gov before applying or signing a contract.