How to Get Your Illinois Roofing License in 2026

Do you need a roofing license in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois requires a roofing contractor license for anyone performing roofing work in the state. This includes installing, repairing, or replacing roofs on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act established this requirement, and the IDFPR manages the licensing process through its Roofing Advisory Board. Working without a license can result in fines up to $10,000 per violation.

Some municipalities have additional requirements. Chicago, for example, may require a separate city contractor registration in addition to your state roofing license. Always check with your local building department before starting work in a new area.

Benefits of getting a roofing license in Illinois

A roofing license does more than keep you legal. Illinois has the third-largest roofer workforce in the country, with 6,240 roofers employed statewide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Standing out in that competitive market starts with proper licensing.

Here’s what a license gets you:

• Legal compliance. You avoid fines up to $10,000 per violation and protect your business from shutdowns.
• Credibility with clients. Homeowners and property managers trust licensed contractors. Your license number proves you’ve met the state’s standards for knowledge, insurance, and bonding.
• Access to bigger jobs. An unlimited license lets you take on commercial and industrial projects, which typically pay more than residential work.
• Insurance eligibility. Many insurance carriers require a valid license before they’ll write a policy for your roofing business.
• Consumer trust. Clients can verify your license through IDFPR’s online license lookup, which builds confidence before they even call you.
• Competitive advantage. In a market with thousands of roofers, being licensed and bonded separates you from unlicensed competitors who cut corners.

Types of roofing licenses in Illinois

Illinois offers two main types of roofing contractor licenses, based on the scope of work you plan to do.

Limited roofing contractor license

The Limited Roofing Contractor License is designed for contractors who focus on residential roofing projects and smaller multi-family properties. It offers a lower bonding requirement than the unlimited license, making it a common starting point for new roofing businesses.

• Covers residential roofing on buildings up to eight units
• Requires a $10,000 surety bond
• Good starting point for contractors focused on homes and small multi-family properties

Unlimited roofing contractor license

The Unlimited Roofing Contractor License is the highest level of roofing license in Illinois and allows contractors to perform roofing work on all types of buildings without size limitations.

• Covers residential, commercial, and industrial roofing with no building size restrictions
• Requires a $25,000 surety bond
• Required for larger commercial and industrial projects

You can start with a limited license and upgrade to unlimited later. To upgrade, you’ll need to meet the higher bond requirement ($25,000), update your insurance, and pass the unlimited license exam.

Both license types are governed by the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, which outlines the full scope of work and regulatory requirements for each.

Illinois roofing license requirements

To qualify for an Illinois roofing license, you need to meet insurance, bonding, and exam requirements before submitting your application.

Surety bond

A surety bond helps protect customers if a contractor fails to meet contractual obligations or comply with state regulations. The bond amount depends on the type of roofing license you’re applying for.

• Limited license: $10,000 bond
• Unlimited license: $25,000 bond

Insurance minimums

Illinois roofing contractors must carry liability insurance to help cover claims involving property damage or bodily injury. Your policy must meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements.

• $250,000 property damage coverage per occurrence
• $500,000 personal injury coverage per occurrence

Qualifying party

Every roofing license application must designate a qualifying party. This is the person who takes and passes the roofing exam on behalf of the business. The qualifying party must be an owner, partner, officer, or full-time employee of the company.

Exam

To qualify for an Illinois roofing license, you must pass the state roofing contractor exam. The exam is administered by Continental Testing Services, and a score of at least 70% is required to pass.

Chicago and local requirements

Chicago and some other municipalities may require additional local contractor registration. Contact the Chicago Department of Buildings or your local building department to confirm any extra requirements in your service area.

Steps to get your Illinois roofing license

Follow these steps to apply for your Illinois roofing contractor license:

Step 1: Get your insurance in order

Complete the Certificate of Insurance form (RF-INS). Your insurance must meet the state minimums: $250,000 property damage and $500,000 personal injury per occurrence. Have your insurance provider fill out and sign the form.

Step 2: Secure your surety bond

Complete the bond document for your license type:

• Limited license: Form BD-LRF ($10,000 bond)
• Unlimited license: Form BD-URF ($25,000 bond)

Your bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Illinois.

Step 3: Designate your qualifying party

Choose the person who will take the licensing exam on behalf of your business. The qualifying party must be an owner, partner, corporate officer, or full-time employee.

Step 4: Submit the qualifying party application and pass the exam

The qualifying party must complete their application and register for the exam through Continental Testing Services. Once they pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you can move on to the next step.

Step 5: Submit your license application

Compile your completed application with all supporting documents:

• Completed application form
• Certificate of Insurance (RF-INS)
• Surety bond (BD-LRF or BD-URF)
• Qualifying party documentation
• Application fee of $125

If you’re applying as a legal entity (LLC, corporation, or partnership), you’ll also need to provide:

• Articles of incorporation or organization
• Proof of good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State
• A list of all officers, partners, or members

Step 6: Mail your application

Send your complete application package to:

IDFPR
P.O. Box 7007
Springfield, IL 62791

Make sure all forms are fully completed and signed. Incomplete applications will delay processing.

How long does it take to get a roofing license in Illinois?

Plan for about two to three months from start to finish. IDFPR typically processes applications within four to six weeks after you pass the exam and submit all required documents.

Here’s a realistic timeline:

• Exam prep: Two to three days if you take a prep course, or several weeks of self-study
• Exam scheduling: The exam is offered six times per year in 2026. You’ll need to register about four weeks before the exam date.
• Exam day: Results are typically available within a few weeks
• Application processing: Four to six weeks after IDFPR receives your complete application

The biggest variable is exam scheduling. Since the exam is only offered six times per year, missing a registration deadline could push your timeline back by two months. Check the Continental Testing Services exam schedule early and plan around the next available date.

Illinois roofing license exam

Continental Testing Services administers the Illinois roofing contractor exam, which tests your knowledge of roofing practices, safety, and Illinois roofing law.

Exam types and format

Exam type	# of questions	Time limit	Passing score
Residential (limited license)	80	90 minutes	70%
Residential, commercial, and industrial (unlimited license)	130	2.5 hours	70%
Commercial and industrial upgrade (from limited to unlimited)	80	90 minutes	70%

Topics covered

• Safety and employee protection
• Roofing materials and preparation
• Steep-slope roofing systems
• Low-slope roofing systems
• Rules, regulations, and business practices
• Non-residential roofing systems (unlimited and upgrade exams only)

Exam fee

$248 for all exam types (limited, unlimited, and upgrade).

Study resources

• Roofer study guide from Continental Testing Services
• Continental Testing Services exam registration page

The study guide lists every topic and reference material the exam covers. Start here before anything else.

Roofing license training programs and schools in Illinois

Several organizations offer exam prep courses and roofing training in Illinois. These programs can help you pass the licensing exam and sharpen your skills.

Illinois Roofing Institute

The Illinois Roofing Institute offers exam preparation courses specifically designed for the Illinois roofing contractor exam. Their courses cover all topics on the Continental Testing Services exam, including Illinois roofing law, safety, and roofing systems.

Chicago Roofing School

The Chicago Roofing School provides hands-on training and exam prep for aspiring and experienced roofers in the Chicagoland area. Their programs cover both the practical skills and the licensing exam content.

Roofing Academy X

Roofing Academy X offers roofing training programs that include business skills alongside trade knowledge. Their curriculum covers roofing systems, safety protocols, and business operations.

On-the-job training and apprenticeships

Many roofers learn through on-the-job training with established contractors. Apprenticeships typically combine paid field work with classroom instruction covering roofing materials, safety, and installation techniques. 

While Illinois doesn’t require a formal apprenticeship for licensing, hands-on experience is valuable for passing the exam and building a successful career.

What exam prep courses typically cover

Most two- to three-day prep courses include:

• Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act review
• Roofing systems and materials (shingles, single-ply, built-up, metal)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements
• Business practices and contract law
• Practice exams with questions similar to the actual test

Who issues roofing licenses in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues and manages all roofing contractor licenses in the state. IDFPR works with the Roofing Advisory Board, which advises on licensing standards, exam content, and disciplinary actions.

IDFPR contact information

Chicago office
555 W Monroe St, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661

Springfield office
320 W Washington St, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786

Phone: 1 (888) 473-4858

Useful links

• IDFPR roofing license page — applications, forms, and regulatory information
• License lookup — verify any roofing contractor’s license status in Illinois

You can use the license lookup tool to verify your own license status, check on competitors, or confirm a subcontractor’s credentials before hiring them.

Does an Illinois roofing license work in other states?

No. Illinois does not have reciprocal roofing license agreements with any other state. If you want to do roofing work outside of Illinois, you’ll need to apply for a separate license in each state where you plan to work.

Each state has its own requirements for bonding, insurance, exams, and experience. Some states may not require a state-level roofing license at all, while others have more complex requirements than Illinois.

If you’re planning to expand across state lines, research each state’s licensing board early. The application process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the state.

How much does a roofing license in Illinois cost?

Budget about $435 for the license itself, plus insurance and bond costs. Here’s the full breakdown:

Fee type	Amount
Application fee	$125
Exam fee	$248
Biennial renewal fee	$62.50/year
Restoration fee (if expired)	Renewal + $50/year (max $375)

These are the fees paid directly to IDFPR and Continental Testing Services. You’ll also need to budget for:

• Surety bond: Costs vary based on your credit and the bond amount ($10,000 for limited, $25,000 for unlimited). Most roofers pay 1%–5% of the bond amount annually.
• Insurance: Commercial general liability premiums depend on your coverage limits, claims history, and business size. Expect to pay several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
• Exam prep course (optional): Typically $300–$600 for a two- to three-day course.

Renewing your Illinois roofing license

Illinois roofing licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Your next renewal deadline is December 31, 2027.

You can renew online through IDFPR’s website or by mail. The renewal fee is $62.50 per year ($125 for the two-year renewal period). Visit the IDFPR roofing license page to start your renewal.

Make sure your insurance and bond remain active and up to date when you renew. IDFPR may request updated documentation during the renewal process.

What happens if your roofing license expires?

If your license expires, you must stop all roofing work immediately. Performing roofing work with an expired license carries penalties up to $10,000 per violation.

To restore an expired license:

1. Check your status using the IDFPR license lookup tool.
2. Pay the restoration fee. This includes your renewal fee plus $50 for each year your license has been expired, up to a maximum of $375.
3. Update your insurance and bond. Submit current certificates to IDFPR.
4. If your license has been expired for five or more years, you’ll need to start the entire application process from scratch, including retaking the exam.

Don’t let your license lapse. Set a reminder well ahead of the December 31, 2027, deadline.

How to start a roofing business in Illinois

Getting your license is the first major step. From there, you’ll need to register your business, set up your operations, and start winning jobs.

Register your business

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has a step-by-step guide for starting a business in Illinois. Key steps include:

• Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation)
• Register with the Illinois Secretary of State
• Get your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
• Register for Illinois state taxes
• Obtain any local business licenses required in your city or county

Visit the DCEO small business page for additional resources and support programs.

Set up your operations

Once your business is registered and licensed, focus on the practical side:

• Pricing your work. Know your costs for materials, labor, insurance, and overhead before you send your first quote. Underpricing is one of the biggest mistakes new roofing businesses make.
• Equipment and vehicles. Budget for ladders, harnesses, nail guns, and a work vehicle. Buy quality safety equipment from day one.
• Marketing. Set up a Google Business Profile, ask early clients for Google reviews, and build a simple website so new clients in your area can find you.
• Quoting, scheduling, and invoicing. With Jobber, you can send a professional quote from the job site, schedule the work, and collect payment online — so the admin side of your business doesn’t eat into your roofing hours.

Illinois roofer salary and earning potential

Illinois is one of the highest-paying states for roofers. The mean annual wage for roofers in Illinois is $70,110, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That makes Illinois the second-highest-paying state for roofers in the country, behind only Massachusetts at $72,390.

Here’s how Illinois compares:

Metric	Amount
Illinois mean annual wage	$70,110
Chicago metro mean annual wage	$73,280
National median annual wage	$50,970
Highest-paying state (Massachusetts)	$72,390

Job growth outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for roofers nationwide from 2024 to 2034, with about 12,700 openings per year. Demand for roofers is driven by weather damage, aging roofs, and new construction.

How to increase your earning potential

Your income as a roofer depends on your license type, experience, and whether you work for someone else or run your own business.

• Get your unlimited license. Commercial and industrial roofing jobs pay more and give you access to larger contracts.
• Start your own business. Business owners typically earn significantly more than employed roofers, with the trade-off of taking on more risk and responsibility.
• Specialize. Roofers who specialize in metal roofing, solar panel installation, or green roofing systems often command premium pricing.
• Invest in your team. As you grow, hiring skilled roofers and using tools like Jobber to manage scheduling and invoicing lets you take on more jobs without working more hours yourself.

Once you’re licensed, staying on top of scheduling, invoicing, and payments is how you build a profitable roofing business.

Originally published September 2023. Last updated June 10th, 2026