South Carolina Roofer License Requirements
Official classification: General Contractor - Roofing (RF) classification [commercial]; Residential Specialty Contractor - Roofing [residential] · Issued by the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (commercial) and SC Residential Builders Commission (residential), under the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR).
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In South Carolina, roofers must hold the General Contractor - Roofing (RF) classification [commercial]; Residential Specialty Contractor - Roofing [residential], issued by the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (commercial) and SC Residential Builders Commission (residential), under the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), 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 South Carolina
Follow these steps to earn your General Contractor - Roofing (RF) classification [commercial]; Residential Specialty Contractor - Roofing [residential]. Every figure is verified against the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (commercial) and SC Residential Builders Commission (residential), under the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. Commercial (CLB RF): about 2 years of relevant experience within the past 5 years for the qualifying party. Residential registered roofer: experience affidavit; no trade exam.
- Pass the Roofing technical/trade exam (commercial) and SC Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors (commercial only) exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. South Carolina requires Commercial RF: no fixed state bond; a surety bond may substitute for the financial statement to set the Group bid limit. Residential roofing: the registered-specialty tier carries a bond (confirm the current amount with the Residential Builders Commission).
- Line up insurance. You'll need liability insurance (Not mandated by the board for issuance), and workers' compensation coverage.
- Clear the background check. Notarized Verification of Lawful Presence required; no fingerprint background check mandated for issuance.
- Meet the credit / financial requirement. Commercial RF: a financial statement sets the Group bid limit — self-prepared and notarized for Groups 1-2, CPA-compiled for Groups 3-4, and CPA-reviewed for Group 5 (Group 1 = $20,000 net worth up to Group 5 = $350,000 net worth) — or a surety bond substitutes. Residential registered tier: bond, no net-worth test.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (commercial) and SC Residential Builders Commission (residential), under the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) — $350 (CLB commercial). The residential registered-roofer fee is lower (registration tier, no exam). application fee, plus a $350 (CLB commercial) license fee. Processing time: Variable; typically a few weeks after exams and a complete application.
- Keep the license active. Renew every 2 years (biennial).
South Carolina roofer license lookup
To confirm a roofer is properly licensed in South Carolina — 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
- General Contractor - Roofing (RF) — Commercial and residential roofing: installation/repair of roofs, decking, shingles, metal coverings, single-ply and built-up roofing, flashings, gutters and downspouts, bituminous waterproofing. CLB license required on commercial work of $10,000+; bid limit by Group 1-5. (Replaced the former GR/SR classes in July 2023.)
- Residential Specialty Contractor - Roofing (registered) — Residential roofing registered-specialty tier. A CLB-licensed RF contractor may perform both commercial and residential roofing.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | Commercial (CLB RF): about 2 years of relevant experience within the past 5 years for the qualifying party. Residential registered roofer: experience affidavit; no trade exam. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $350 (CLB commercial). The residential registered-roofer fee is lower (registration tier, no exam). |
| License fee | $350 (CLB commercial) |
| Renewal fee | $135 biennial (CLB commercial); late penalties $100/$150/$200 at 30/60/90 days |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years (biennial) |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Bond required | Commercial RF: no fixed state bond; a surety bond may substitute for the financial statement to set the Group bid limit. Residential roofing: the registered-specialty tier carries a bond (confirm the current amount with the Residential Builders Commission). |
| Liability insurance | Not mandated by the board for issuance |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Required under SC law if you have employees (generally 4 or more); not collected by the board at licensing |
| Background check | Notarized Verification of Lawful Presence required; no fingerprint background check mandated for issuance. |
| Credit requirement | Commercial RF: a financial statement sets the Group bid limit — self-prepared and notarized for Groups 1-2, CPA-compiled for Groups 3-4, and CPA-reviewed for Group 5 (Group 1 = $20,000 net worth up to Group 5 = $350,000 net worth) — or a surety bond substitutes. Residential registered tier: bond, no net-worth test. |
| Reciprocity | Technical-exam waivers are available with some states (the SC Business/Law exam is still required); confirm the current agreement with the board. |
| Processing time | Variable; typically a few weeks after exams and a complete application. |
Exams
| Roofing technical/trade exam (commercial) | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% (commonly cited; confirm with the board) · Fee: Approximately $75 (commercial trade exam) |
|---|---|
| SC Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors (commercial only) | Provider: PSI · Passing: 70% (commonly cited; confirm with the board) · Fee: Approximately $75 |
Local / municipal notes
Roofing is split: commercial roofing is a General Contractor 'Roofing (RF)' classification at the CLB, while residential-only roofers register with the Residential Builders Commission as a Residential Specialty Contractor. A CLB RF license covers both commercial and residential roofing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a South Carolina roofer license cost?
Application: $350 (CLB commercial). The residential registered-roofer fee is lower (registration tier, no exam).. License: $350 (CLB commercial). Renewal: $135 biennial (CLB commercial); late penalties $100/$150/$200 at 30/60/90 days.
How do I look up a roofer license in South Carolina?
Search the official license database at verify.llronline.com. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do roofers in South Carolina need a surety bond?
Commercial RF: no fixed state bond; a surety bond may substitute for the financial statement to set the Group bid limit. Residential roofing: the registered-specialty tier carries a bond (confirm the current amount with the Residential Builders Commission).
What experience is required for a South Carolina roofer license?
Commercial (CLB RF): about 2 years of relevant experience within the past 5 years for the qualifying party. Residential registered roofer: experience affidavit; no trade exam.
Is insurance required for roofers in South Carolina?
Liability: Not mandated by the board for issuance Workers' compensation: Required under SC law if you have employees (generally 4 or more); not collected by the board at licensing
How often must a South Carolina roofer license be renewed?
Every 2 years (biennial).
Official sources
scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c011.php
scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c059.php
llr.sc.gov/clb/fees.aspx
llr.sc.gov/clb