Alabama Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: Roofers License · Issued by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB).

🏠 RooferAL ✔ Verified 2026-06-22

In Alabama, roofers must hold the Roofers License, issued by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB), and a $10,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed roofer in Alabama

Follow these steps to earn your Roofers License. Every figure is verified against the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. Must provide a copy of a currently held — or held within one year prior to application — business or occupational contractor license issued by an Alabama municipality, township, or county. No minimum years of experience mandated in statute beyond this occupational license requirement.
Confirm exam requirements. Alabama sets no state trade exam for this license, though your city or county may require one.
Secure your surety bond. Alabama requires $10,000 License/Permit Bond naming the HBLB Board as obligee; must be submitted directly to the Board by the Surety.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not mandated by HBLB statute; licensees should consult Alabama Department of Labor requirements and client contracts).
Clear the background check. Proof of citizenship or lawful presence required (driver license, birth certificate, or passport). Corporate/LLC applicants must provide Certificate of Compliance from Alabama Department of Revenue; foreign entities must provide Certificate of Existence from Alabama Secretary of State.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) — $100 non-refundable application processing fee / $25 if requesting paper application package by mail application fee, plus a $150/year (Active Roofer License) / $75/year (Inactive Roofer License) license fee. Processing time: Not publicly specified by HBLB.
Keep the license active. Renew annual (expires December 31; timely renewal by November 30), completing Not publicly specified by HBLB for the Roofers License (HBLB FAQ does not address CE for roofer-only licensees; verify directly with HBLB).

License types

Roofers License — Residential roofing contractor; required when cost of roofing work exceeds $2,500; licensed under HBLB (not ALBGC)
Unlimited Home Builder License (with roofing authority) — Holders of the HBLB Unlimited Home Builder License may perform residential roofing without obtaining a separate Roofers License

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	Must provide a copy of a currently held — or held within one year prior to application — business or occupational contractor license issued by an Alabama municipality, township, or county. No minimum years of experience mandated in statute beyond this occupational license requirement.
Application fee	$100 non-refundable application processing fee / $25 if requesting paper application package by mail
License fee	$150/year (Active Roofer License) / $75/year (Inactive Roofer License)
Renewal fee	$150/year (Active) / $75/year (Inactive); late renewal (Dec 1–31) adds $50 penalty; expired license (after Jan 1) processing fee $150
Renewal period	Annual (expires December 31; timely renewal by November 30)
Continuing education	Not publicly specified by HBLB for the Roofers License (HBLB FAQ does not address CE for roofer-only licensees; verify directly with HBLB).
Bond required	$10,000 License/Permit Bond naming the HBLB Board as obligee; must be submitted directly to the Board by the Surety
Liability insurance	Not mandated by HBLB statute; licensees should consult Alabama Department of Labor requirements and client contracts
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Not mandated by HBLB; subject to Alabama law based on number of employees
Background check	Proof of citizenship or lawful presence required (driver license, birth certificate, or passport). Corporate/LLC applicants must provide Certificate of Compliance from Alabama Department of Revenue; foreign entities must provide Certificate of Existence from Alabama Secretary of State.
Credit requirement	None (credit report not required for Roofer license; required only for Unlimited/Limited Home Builder licenses)
Reciprocity	None publicly established for Roofers License by HBLB
Processing time	Not publicly specified by HBLB

Exams

No examination required for Roofers License	Provider: — · Passing: — · Fee: —

Preparing for the Roofer exam? State-specific contractor exam-prep courses help you pass the first time. Start exam prep →

Local / municipal notes

Roofer licensing falls under HBLB (residential), not the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (ALBGC). Commercial roofing on projects $50,000+ may additionally require an ALBGC Prime Contractor license. Roofing work threshold for licensure is $2,500. Unlicensed roofing work above $2,500 is a Class A misdemeanor; fines up to $5,000.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Alabama roofer license cost?

Application: $100 non-refundable application processing fee / $25 if requesting paper application package by mail. License: $150/year (Active Roofer License) / $75/year (Inactive Roofer License). Renewal: $150/year (Active) / $75/year (Inactive); late renewal (Dec 1–31) adds $50 penalty; expired license (after Jan 1) processing fee $150.

Do roofers in Alabama need a surety bond?

$10,000 License/Permit Bond naming the HBLB Board as obligee; must be submitted directly to the Board by the Surety

What experience is required for a Alabama roofer license?

Must provide a copy of a currently held — or held within one year prior to application — business or occupational contractor license issued by an Alabama municipality, township, or county. No minimum years of experience mandated in statute beyond this occupational license requirement.

Is insurance required for roofers in Alabama?

Liability: Not mandated by HBLB statute; licensees should consult Alabama Department of Labor requirements and client contracts Workers' compensation: Not mandated by HBLB; subject to Alabama law based on number of employees

How often must a Alabama roofer license be renewed?

Annual (expires December 31; timely renewal by November 30). Continuing education: Not publicly specified by HBLB for the Roofers License (HBLB FAQ does not address CE for roofer-only licensees; verify directly with HBLB).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-22 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) before applying. This is not legal advice.