Hawaii Roofing License Requirements
Official classification: C-42 Roofing Contractor (with sub-classifications including C-42a metal shingles, C-42b wood shakes) · Issued by the Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division.
🏠 RooferHI ✔ Verified 2026-09-20
In Hawaii, roofers must hold the C-42 Roofing Contractor (with sub-classifications including C-42a metal shingles, C-42b wood shakes), issued by the Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, and a surety bond may be required at the licensing board's discretion. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed roofer in Hawaii
Follow these steps to earn your C-42 Roofing Contractor (with sub-classifications including C-42a metal shingles, C-42b wood shakes). Every figure is verified against the Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division; full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. 4 years of full-time supervisory experience (as journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor) in the roofing trade within the past 10 years. Up to 1 year of experience may be substituted with relevant technical education. Must be documented by at least 3 notarized certificates and a Chronological History of Projects form.
- Be ready to post a bond if the board requires one. Not automatically required: the Contractors License Board may require a surety bond of an individual applicant or licensee based on its review of the financial statement and scope of work per HRS §444-16.5. If required, the bond must be maintained continuously; lapse causes automatic license forfeiture. Licensees must maintain the bond for at least 1 year before requesting a waiver.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Minimum $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury (HAR §16-77-34). Property damage: Minimum $50,000 per occurrence. Workers' compensation: Required if entity has employees; exemptions available for qualifying sole-owner entities with no other employees (HRS Chapter 386 exclusion).
- Clear the background check. Applicants must disclose prior disciplinary actions, criminal convictions related to contracting, or outstanding judgments. Board reviews applicant history as part of a good-character assessment (honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, fair dealing required under HRS §444).
- Meet the credit / financial requirement. Complete credit report covering at least the previous 5 years required with application. Current (not more than 1 year old) compiled, reviewed, or audited financial statement with a licensed/certified public accountant's report required; statements by bookkeepers or tax preparers are not acceptable. Hawaii State Tax Clearance (DOTAX), issued within 6 months, required for entities in operation more than 1 year.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division — $50 (non-refundable) application fee, plus a Entity/sole proprietor: $633 (Oct 1 even year – Sept 30 odd year) or $494 (other periods); RME: $438 or $334 license fee. Processing time: Applications must be submitted by the first Tuesday of the month two months before the target Board meeting; total process approximately 3–4 months; applicants must pass both exam parts within 6 months of Board approval.
- Pass the C-42 Roofing Contractor — Trade Exam and Business and Law Exam (required for all contractor classifications) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: 2 years; licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. Continuing education: No continuing education requirement specified by the Contractors License Board for the C-42 Roofing Contractor license.
Hawaii roofer license lookup
To confirm a roofer is properly licensed in Hawaii — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- C-42 Roofing Contractor — Installation of all types of roofing including composition shingles, tile, single-ply systems, metal roofing; application of protective and reflective roof coatings; deck and top coatings.
- C-42a — Aluminum and Other Metal Shingles — Specialty sub-classification within roofing for aluminum and other metal shingle systems specifically.
- C-42b — Wood Shingles and Wood Shakes — Specialty sub-classification for wood shingle and shake roofing systems.
- C-42c — Concrete and Clay Tile — Specialty sub-classification for concrete and clay tile roofing systems.
- C-42e — Urethane Foam Contractor — Specialty sub-classification for urethane foam roofing applications.
- C-42g — Roof Coatings Contractor — Specialty sub-classification for roof coating applications.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | 4 years of full-time supervisory experience (as journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor) in the roofing trade within the past 10 years. Up to 1 year of experience may be substituted with relevant technical education. Must be documented by at least 3 notarized certificates and a Chronological History of Projects form. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 (non-refundable) |
| License fee | Entity/sole proprietor: $633 (Oct 1 even year – Sept 30 odd year) or $494 (other periods); RME: $438 or $334 |
| Renewal fee | $338 active entity/sole proprietor / $160 inactive; $208 active RME — every 2 years by September 30 of even-numbered years |
| Renewal period | 2 years; licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. |
| Continuing education | No continuing education requirement specified by the Contractors License Board for the C-42 Roofing Contractor license. |
| Bond required | Not automatically required: the Contractors License Board may require a surety bond of an individual applicant or licensee based on its review of the financial statement and scope of work per HRS §444-16.5. If required, the bond must be maintained continuously; lapse causes automatic license forfeiture. Licensees must maintain the bond for at least 1 year before requesting a waiver. |
| Liability insurance | Minimum $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury (HAR §16-77-34) |
| Property damage | Minimum $50,000 per occurrence |
| Workers' comp | Required if entity has employees; exemptions available for qualifying sole-owner entities with no other employees (HRS Chapter 386 exclusion) |
| Background check | Applicants must disclose prior disciplinary actions, criminal convictions related to contracting, or outstanding judgments. Board reviews applicant history as part of a good-character assessment (honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, fair dealing required under HRS §444). |
| Credit requirement | Complete credit report covering at least the previous 5 years required with application. Current (not more than 1 year old) compiled, reviewed, or audited financial statement with a licensed/certified public accountant's report required; statements by bookkeepers or tax preparers are not acceptable. Hawaii State Tax Clearance (DOTAX), issued within 6 months, required for entities in operation more than 1 year. |
| Reciprocity | None — Hawaii does not offer reciprocal licensing agreements with other states for contractor licenses. Out-of-state experience counts toward the 4-year requirement if documented with notarized certificates. · other states' agreements |
| Processing time | Applications must be submitted by the first Tuesday of the month two months before the target Board meeting; total process approximately 3–4 months; applicants must pass both exam parts within 6 months of Board approval. |
What a Hawaii roofer license costs
| Application fee | $50 (non-refundable). |
|---|---|
| License fee | Entity/sole proprietor: $633 (Oct 1 even year – Sept 30 odd year) or $494 (other periods); RME: $438 or $334. |
| C-42 Roofing Contractor — Trade Exam | $75–$80 per attempt. |
| Business and Law Exam (required for all contractor classifications) | $75–$80 per attempt. |
| Surety bond | Not automatically required: the Contractors License Board may require a surety bond of an individual applicant or licensee based on its review of the financial statement and scope of work per HRS §444-16.5. If required, the bond must be maintained continuously; lapse causes automatic license forfeiture. Licensees must maintain the bond for at least 1 year before requesting a waiver. |
| Renewal fee | $338 active entity/sole proprietor / $160 inactive; $208 active RME — every 2 years by September 30 of even-numbered years. |
| Renewal period | 2 years; licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. |
Exams
| C-42 Roofing Contractor — Trade Exam | Provider: PSI Services LLC (test-takers.psiexams.com/hitrade; (833) 333-4754) · Passing: 75%; 50 questions; 2 hours (120 minutes); closed-book · Fee: $75–$80 per attempt |
|---|---|
| Business and Law Exam (required for all contractor classifications) | Provider: PSI Services LLC · Passing: 75%; 80 questions; 3 hours; closed-book · Fee: $75–$80 per attempt |
Renewing a Hawaii roofer license
The C-42 Roofing Contractor (with sub-classifications including C-42a metal shingles, C-42b wood shakes) renews on a fixed cycle set by the Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.
| Renewal period | 2 years; licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $338 active entity/sole proprietor / $160 inactive; $208 active RME — every 2 years by September 30 of even-numbered years |
| Continuing education | No continuing education requirement specified by the Contractors License Board for the C-42 Roofing Contractor license. |
| Where to renew | Hawaii Contractors License Board (CLB), DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division |
Local / municipal notes
The C-42 Roofing Contractor classification encompasses all roofing material types. The B General Building Contractor license automatically includes C-42a and C-42b within the scope of a general building project, but a standalone roofing contracting business requires the C-42 classification. Hawaii's climate (high UV, tropical weather, wind and rain) makes roofing a high-demand trade.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Hawaii roofer license cost?
Application: $50 (non-refundable). License: Entity/sole proprietor: $633 (Oct 1 even year – Sept 30 odd year) or $494 (other periods); RME: $438 or $334. Renewal: $338 active entity/sole proprietor / $160 inactive; $208 active RME — every 2 years by September 30 of even-numbered years.
How do I look up a roofer license in Hawaii?
Search the official license database at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do roofers in Hawaii need a surety bond?
Not automatically required: the Contractors License Board may require a surety bond of an individual applicant or licensee based on its review of the financial statement and scope of work per HRS §444-16.5. If required, the bond must be maintained continuously; lapse causes automatic license forfeiture. Licensees must maintain the bond for at least 1 year before requesting a waiver.
What experience is required for a Hawaii roofer license?
4 years of full-time supervisory experience (as journeyman, foreman, supervisor, or contractor) in the roofing trade within the past 10 years. Up to 1 year of experience may be substituted with relevant technical education. Must be documented by at least 3 notarized certificates and a Chronological History of Projects form.
Is insurance required for roofers in Hawaii?
Liability: Minimum $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence bodily injury (HAR §16-77-34). Property damage: Minimum $50,000 per occurrence. Workers' compensation: Required if entity has employees; exemptions available for qualifying sole-owner entities with no other employees (HRS Chapter 386 exclusion).
How long does it take to get a Hawaii roofer license?
Processing time: Applications must be submitted by the first Tuesday of the month two months before the target Board meeting; total process approximately 3–4 months; applicants must pass both exam parts within 6 months of Board approval.
Is a background check required for roofers in Hawaii?
Background check: Applicants must disclose prior disciplinary actions, criminal convictions related to contracting, or outstanding judgments. Board reviews applicant history as part of a good-character assessment (honesty, truthfulness, financial integrity, fair dealing required under HRS §444).
Is there a credit or financial requirement for a Hawaii roofer license?
Credit requirement: Complete credit report covering at least the previous 5 years required with application. Current (not more than 1 year old) compiled, reviewed, or audited financial statement with a licensed/certified public accountant's report required; statements by bookkeepers or tax preparers are not acceptable. Hawaii State Tax Clearance (DOTAX), issued within 6 months, required for entities in operation more than 1 year.
How often must a Hawaii roofer license be renewed?
2 years; licenses expire September 30 of even-numbered years. Continuing education: No continuing education requirement specified by the Contractors License Board for the C-42 Roofing Contractor license.
Official sources
cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor
cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/maintain-bond-requirements
cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/maintain-and-update-insurance-requirements
cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor/application-deadline-examination-dates