Connecticut Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration · Issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Trade Practices Division.

🏠 RooferCT ✔ Verified 2026-06-23

In Connecticut, roofers must hold the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration, issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Trade Practices Division, and no state surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed roofer in Connecticut

Follow these steps to earn your Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration. Every figure is verified against the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Trade Practices Division; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. No experience requirement. Connecticut does not issue a state roofing license — only HIC (or NHCC) registration is required. No apprenticeship, trade exam, or minimum years of experience are mandated by the DCP for roofing work.
Pass the None — no examination required for HIC registration exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Connecticut requires No surety bond is required as a standard condition of HIC registration. Under CGS § 20-426a the DCP commissioner MAY require a $15,000 bond (running to the State of Connecticut for the benefit of harmed consumers) as a condition of issuance, renewal, or reinstatement — typically imposed as a disciplinary measure. The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (funded by the $100 annual fee, up to $25,000 per eligible claim) is the primary consumer-protection mechanism in lieu of a posted bond.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Minimum $20,000 general liability insurance required under CGS Chapter 400 for HIC registration. Insurance provider name and policy number must be provided at application and each renewal.), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Not specified as a registration requirement by DCP for HIC registration.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Trade Practices Division — $220 first year ($120 application fee + $100 Home Improvement Guaranty Fund contribution, non-refundable) application fee, plus a Included in registration fee license fee. Processing time: Applications are processed online through the DCP eLicense portal; typically a few weeks after complete application submission.
Keep the license active. Renew annually – HIC registration expires March 31; renewal notices sent approximately 30 days before expiration; online renewal only.

License types

Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration — Required for roofing work on existing residential property where contract value exceeds $200. Roofing is explicitly listed in the Connecticut Home Improvement Act (CGS Chapter 400) as a covered home improvement activity. Applies to repair, replacement, and new roofing installations on existing homes.
New Home Construction Contractor (NHCC) Registration (if applicable) — Required when roofing work is performed as part of new home construction. Roofing contractors performing both residential re-roofing and new construction roofing must hold both HIC and NHCC registrations.
Major Contractor Registration (commercial roofing) — Required for commercial roofing projects. Application fee: $500; annual renewal: $500; expires June 30 annually. Separate from the residential HIC registration.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	No experience requirement. Connecticut does not issue a state roofing license — only HIC (or NHCC) registration is required. No apprenticeship, trade exam, or minimum years of experience are mandated by the DCP for roofing work.
Application fee	$220 first year ($120 application fee + $100 Home Improvement Guaranty Fund contribution, non-refundable)
License fee	Included in registration fee
Renewal fee	$220 annually ($120 renewal fee + $100 Guaranty Fund contribution); online renewal only; expires March 31 annually
Renewal period	Annually – HIC registration expires March 31; renewal notices sent approximately 30 days before expiration; online renewal only.
Continuing education	None required.
Bond required	No surety bond is required as a standard condition of HIC registration. Under CGS § 20-426a the DCP commissioner MAY require a $15,000 bond (running to the State of Connecticut for the benefit of harmed consumers) as a condition of issuance, renewal, or reinstatement — typically imposed as a disciplinary measure. The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (funded by the $100 annual fee, up to $25,000 per eligible claim) is the primary consumer-protection mechanism in lieu of a posted bond.
Liability insurance	Minimum $20,000 general liability insurance required under CGS Chapter 400 for HIC registration. Insurance provider name and policy number must be provided at application and each renewal.
Property damage	Covered within general liability policy; no separate state-mandated property damage amount specified for HIC registration.
Workers' comp	Required for any business with one or more employees under CGS § 31-284.
Background check	Not specified as a registration requirement by DCP for HIC registration.
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	Connecticut does not recognize out-of-state contractor registrations. All contractors performing roofing work on Connecticut residential property must register independently with the DCP regardless of licenses or registrations held in other states.
Processing time	Applications are processed online through the DCP eLicense portal; typically a few weeks after complete application submission.

Exams

None — no examination required for HIC registration	Provider: N/A · Passing: N/A · Fee: N/A

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Local / municipal notes

Connecticut does not issue a state roofing license. Roofing on existing homes falls under Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration (CGS Chapter 400); roofing on new construction falls under New Home Construction Contractor (NHCC) registration (CGS Chapter 399a). Commercial roofing requires a separate Major Contractor registration. The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund provides consumer protection of up to $25,000 per eligible claim against registered contractors. Some municipalities may require additional local permits or bonding.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Connecticut roofer license cost?

Application: $220 first year ($120 application fee + $100 Home Improvement Guaranty Fund contribution, non-refundable). License: Included in registration fee. Renewal: $220 annually ($120 renewal fee + $100 Guaranty Fund contribution); online renewal only; expires March 31 annually.

Do roofers in Connecticut need a surety bond?

No surety bond is required as a standard condition of HIC registration. Under CGS § 20-426a the DCP commissioner MAY require a $15,000 bond (running to the State of Connecticut for the benefit of harmed consumers) as a condition of issuance, renewal, or reinstatement — typically imposed as a disciplinary measure. The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund (funded by the $100 annual fee, up to $25,000 per eligible claim) is the primary consumer-protection mechanism in lieu of a posted bond.

What experience is required for a Connecticut roofer license?

No experience requirement. Connecticut does not issue a state roofing license — only HIC (or NHCC) registration is required. No apprenticeship, trade exam, or minimum years of experience are mandated by the DCP for roofing work.

Is insurance required for roofers in Connecticut?

Liability: Minimum $20,000 general liability insurance required under CGS Chapter 400 for HIC registration. Insurance provider name and policy number must be provided at application and each renewal. Workers' compensation: Required for any business with one or more employees under CGS § 31-284.

How often must a Connecticut roofer license be renewed?

Annually – HIC registration expires March 31; renewal notices sent approximately 30 days before expiration; online renewal only..

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-23 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Trade Practices Division before applying. This is not legal advice.