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 Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Residential and Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Commercial/Industrial exams. 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.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($500,000 general liability), and workers' compensation coverage.
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. Renew every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years).

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

Exams

Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Residential	Provider: Continental Testing Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: $248
Illinois Roofing Contractor Examination - Commercial/Industrial	Provider: Continental Testing Services · Passing: 70% · Fee: $248

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

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 a Illinois roofer license cost?

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

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 a 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 Workers' compensation: Workers' compensation insurance required if applicants have employees

How often must a Illinois roofer license be renewed?

Every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years).

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.