Illinois Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: Roofing Contractor License · Issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board.

🏠 RooferIL ✔ Verified 2026-06-25

In Illinois, roofers must hold the Roofing Contractor License, issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board, and a surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed roofer in Illinois

Follow these steps to earn your Roofing Contractor License. Every figure is verified against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board; full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. No formal experience requirement. Applicants must demonstrate experience, knowledge, and skill through passing the state examination.
Pass the exam for the license class you are applying for. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. Illinois requires Limited License: $10,000 surety bond; Unlimited License: $25,000 surety bond.
Check the insurance rules. Liability: $500,000 general liability. Property damage: $250,000 property damage for each occurrence. Workers' compensation: Workers' compensation insurance required if applicants have employees.
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board — $125 application fee, plus a Included in application license fee. Processing time: 15-45 days for IDFPR processing; overall 3-6 months from application through licensure including exam scheduling and results.
Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years).

Illinois roofer license lookup

To confirm a roofer is properly licensed in Illinois — 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.

Verify a license now: Search the official idfpr.illinois.gov database →

License types

Limited License — Residential roofing on properties with 8 or fewer units
Unlimited License — Residential, commercial, and industrial roofing work

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	No formal experience requirement. Applicants must demonstrate experience, knowledge, and skill through passing the state examination.
Application fee	$125
License fee	Included in application
Renewal fee	$62.50 per year (biennial renewal)
Renewal period	Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	Limited License: $10,000 surety bond; Unlimited License: $25,000 surety bond
Liability insurance	$500,000 general liability
Property damage	$250,000 property damage for each occurrence
Workers' comp	Workers' compensation insurance required if applicants have employees
Background check	None
Credit requirement	None
Reciprocity	None · other states' agreements
Processing time	15-45 days for IDFPR processing; overall 3-6 months from application through licensure including exam scheduling and results

What an Illinois roofer license costs

Application fee	$125.
License fee	Included in application.
Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Residential	$248.
Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Commercial/Industrial (taken after passing the Residential exam)	$248.
Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Residential, Commercial and Industrial (combined; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.12)	$248.
Surety bond	Limited License: $10,000 surety bond; Unlimited License: $25,000 surety bond.
Renewal fee	$62.50 per year (biennial renewal).
Renewal period	Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years).

Exams

Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Residential	Provider: Continental Testing Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: $248
Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Commercial/Industrial (taken after passing the Residential exam)	Provider: Continental Testing Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: $248
Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Residential, Commercial and Industrial (combined; 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1460.12)	Provider: Continental Testing Services · Passing: Not published by the Division · Fee: $248

Renewing an Illinois roofer license

The Roofing Contractor License renews on a fixed cycle set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board. Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.

Renewal period	Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal fee	$62.50 per year (biennial renewal)
Continuing education	None required
Where to renew	Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board

Local / municipal notes

Applicants must maintain a qualifying party who is actively involved in the roofing business. Both Limited and Unlimited licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Illinois roofer license cost?

Application: $125. License: Included in application. Renewal: $62.50 per year (biennial renewal).

How do I look up a roofer license in Illinois?

Search the official license database at idfpr.illinois.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.

Do roofers in Illinois need a surety bond?

Limited License: $10,000 surety bond; Unlimited License: $25,000 surety bond

What experience is required for an Illinois roofer license?

No formal experience requirement. Applicants must demonstrate experience, knowledge, and skill through passing the state examination.

Is insurance required for roofers in Illinois?

Liability: $500,000 general liability. Property damage: $250,000 property damage for each occurrence. Workers' compensation: Workers' compensation insurance required if applicants have employees.

How long does it take to get an Illinois roofer license?

Processing time: 15-45 days for IDFPR processing; overall 3-6 months from application through licensure including exam scheduling and results.

How often must an Illinois roofer license be renewed?

Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years). Continuing education: None required.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-25 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Roofing Advisory Board before applying. This is not legal advice.