Roofing Contractor License Requirements in District of Columbia
| Licensing Authority | Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) |
| License Type | Home Improvement Contractor |
| Experience Required | 2 years of experience or relevant education. Must submit to a background check. |
| Education Substitute | Relevant education or training may substitute for experience |
| Exam Required | Yes — DC Business and Law Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $25,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 4-8 weeks |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $288 |
| Fingerprinting | $7 |
| Est. Initial Total | $295 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Basic Business License | $70 |
Renewal: $288 every 2 years
Exam Requirements
DC Business and Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in District of Columbia
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in District of Columbia. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→Notes
- Roofing contractors in DC obtain a Home Improvement Contractor license
- Must provide Home Improvement Contract Sample and Salesperson Designation Letter
- Police Criminal History Report (Form PD-70) required
- Must also register business with DC and obtain Basic Business License ($70)
You're licensed in District of Columbia as a roofing contractor — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issues the Home Improvement Contractor; the business that invoices District of Columbia customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Post the bond.
District of Columbia requires a $25,000 surety bond. $25,000 surety bond required for Home Improvement Contractor license for the 2-year license period. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
District of Columbia requires general liability insurance for this license. Certificate of Liability Insurance required: $50,000-$100,000 liability, $10,000-$25,000 property damage. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck roofing contractor businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years at $288.
Other licenses in District of Columbia
- General Contractor license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $655 in initial government fees · DLCP
- Electrician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $162 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- Plumber license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $162 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
- HVAC Technician license in District of Columbia
Statewide license required · $175 in initial government fees · BIT/DLCP
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in District of Columbia?
Yes, District of Columbia requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How much does a roofing contractor license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated initial cost is $295, including application, exam, and license fees. A $25,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a roofing contractor license in District of Columbia?
2 years of experience or relevant education. Must submit to a background check. Education substitute: Relevant education or training may substitute for experience
What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in District of Columbia?
You must pass the DC Business and Law Exam exam. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for a roofing contractor license in District of Columbia?
Yes, a $25,000 surety bond is required. $25,000 surety bond required for Home Improvement Contractor license for the 2-year license period
How long does it take to get a roofing contractor license in District of Columbia?
Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in District of Columbia?
No, District of Columbia does not currently require continuing education for roofing contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for roofing contractors in District of Columbia— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-07-08 | Source: DLCP