New York Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: Home Improvement Contractor License · Issued by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC only; other jurisdictions vary).

🏠 RooferNY ✔ Verified 2026-06-25

In New York, roofers must hold the Home Improvement Contractor License, issued by the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC only; other jurisdictions vary), and a $20,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.

How to become a licensed roofer in New York

Follow these steps to earn your Home Improvement Contractor License. Every figure is verified against the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC only; other jurisdictions vary); full detail for each step is further down the page.

Build the required experience. No experience requirement for NYC HIC license; however, roofing experience recommended. Citywide government positions require 3 years full-time roofing experience plus sufficient apprentice/helper experience or relevant education to total 5 years
Pass the Home Improvement Contractor Exam exam. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
Secure your surety bond. New York requires $20,000 surety bond OR $200 Trust Fund enrollment.
Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance ($1,000,000 general liability (with NYC as additional insured)), and workers' compensation coverage.
Clear the background check. Fingerprinting required for owners, officers, principals, directors, and members/shareholders owning 10% or more
Meet the credit / financial requirement. —
Submit your application and fees. Apply through the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC only; other jurisdictions vary) — $75–$100 (varies by season; March 1–August 31 of odd years: $100; September 1–February 28 of even years: $75) application fee, plus a Included in application fee license fee. Processing time: Typically 2 weeks for application review.
Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd years).

License types

Home Improvement Contractor — Authorized to perform roofing, construction, repair, remodeling, and other home improvement work to residential buildings and land in New York City and certain local jurisdictions

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	No experience requirement for NYC HIC license; however, roofing experience recommended. Citywide government positions require 3 years full-time roofing experience plus sufficient apprentice/helper experience or relevant education to total 5 years
Application fee	$75–$100 (varies by season; March 1–August 31 of odd years: $100; September 1–February 28 of even years: $75)
License fee	Included in application fee
Renewal fee	$100 every 2 years
Renewal period	Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd years)
Continuing education	None required
Bond required	$20,000 surety bond OR $200 Trust Fund enrollment
Liability insurance	$1,000,000 general liability (with NYC as additional insured)
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Mandatory if employees; separate disability benefits insurance also required
Background check	Fingerprinting required for owners, officers, principals, directors, and members/shareholders owning 10% or more
Credit requirement	—
Reciprocity	None
Processing time	Typically 2 weeks for application review

Exams

Home Improvement Contractor Exam	Provider: ExamBuilder · Passing: 21 out of 30 questions (70%) · Fee: $50

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

Local / municipal notes

New York State has NO statewide roofer license. This data reflects NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection requirements. Other NY jurisdictions with HIC requirements include Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Buffalo counties—each with potentially different fee structures and requirements. Most other NY municipalities have no HIC license but may require building permits. Contact your specific city or county building department for local requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a New York roofer license cost?

Application: $75–$100 (varies by season; March 1–August 31 of odd years: $100; September 1–February 28 of even years: $75). License: Included in application fee. Renewal: $100 every 2 years.

Do roofers in New York need a surety bond?

$20,000 surety bond OR $200 Trust Fund enrollment

What experience is required for a New York roofer license?

No experience requirement for NYC HIC license; however, roofing experience recommended. Citywide government positions require 3 years full-time roofing experience plus sufficient apprentice/helper experience or relevant education to total 5 years

Is insurance required for roofers in New York?

Liability: $1,000,000 general liability (with NYC as additional insured) Workers' compensation: Mandatory if employees; separate disability benefits insurance also required

How often must a New York roofer license be renewed?

Every 2 years (expires February 28 of odd years).

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-06-25 — always confirm current requirements directly with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (NYC only; other jurisdictions vary) before applying. This is not legal advice.