Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Illinois
| Licensing Authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| License Type | Roofing Contractor License (Limited or Unlimited) |
| Experience Required | Illinois does not specify a minimum number of years of experience. Instead, the state examination is used to determine if an applicant has the experience, knowledge, and skill to perform roofing work. A designated qualifying party must be named for each license — this person must have authority to supervise roofing operations and be actively engaged in day-to-day business activities. |
| Exam Required | Yes — Limited (Residential) Roofing Exam + Unlimited (Commercial/Industrial) Roofing Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 2-8 weeks (average 4-6 weeks). Register for exam at least 40 days before preferred date. |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Exam Fee | $226 |
| Est. Initial Total | $351 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Renewal fee per cycle | $125 |
Renewal: $125 every 2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
Limited (Residential) Roofing Exam
Unlimited (Commercial/Industrial) Roofing Exam
Exam provider: Continental Testing Services (708-354-9911, continentaltesting.net)
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 Illinois
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 Illinois. 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→License Tiers
Limited (Residential)
No specific years required — must pass exam demonstrating experience and knowledge
Exam: Required
Unlimited (Residential, Commercial, Industrial)
No specific years required — must pass more comprehensive exam
Exam: Required
Notes
- Illinois is unique in requiring statewide roofing contractor licensing under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act
- The Act was set to sunset on January 1, 2026, but SB2503 extended it to January 1, 2031
- SB2503 also updated advisory board composition to include representatives from every sector of the roofing industry
- The qualifying party must take the exam within 3 years of application filing and can only act for one license
- Exams are held 6 times per year (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov) at Hillside and Springfield locations
- Limited license covers residential properties of 8 units or fewer
- Unlimited license covers residential, commercial, and industrial properties
- No reciprocity, but licensure by endorsement is possible if another state's standards are substantially equivalent
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
You're licensed in Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues the Roofing Contractor License (Limited or Unlimited); the business that invoices Illinois 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.
Illinois requires a $10,000 surety bond. Limited License: $10,000 surety bond. Unlimited License: $25,000 surety bond. How contractor bonds work→
Carry the insurance the license requires.
Illinois requires general liability insurance for this license. Property damage insurance: minimum $250,000. General liability insurance: minimum $500,000. Workers compensation insurance required for all 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 (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years) at $125.
Other licenses in Illinois
- General Contractor license in Illinois
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Electrician license in Illinois
No statewide license — check local requirements
- Plumber license in Illinois
Statewide license required · $500 in initial government fees · IDPH
- HVAC Technician license in Illinois
No statewide license — check local requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a roofing contractor license in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois requires a statewide roofing contractor license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
How much does a roofing contractor license cost in Illinois?
The estimated initial cost is $351, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for a roofing contractor license in Illinois?
Illinois does not specify a minimum number of years of experience. Instead, the state examination is used to determine if an applicant has the experience, knowledge, and skill to perform roofing work. A designated qualifying party must be named for each license — this person must have authority to supervise roofing operations and be actively engaged in day-to-day business activities.
What exams are required for a roofing contractor license in Illinois?
You must pass the Limited (Residential) Roofing Exam and Unlimited (Commercial/Industrial) Roofing Exam exams. A passing score of 70% is required. Exams are administered by Continental Testing Services (708-354-9911, continentaltesting.net).
Do I need a bond for a roofing contractor license in Illinois?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. Limited License: $10,000 surety bond. Unlimited License: $25,000 surety bond.
How long does it take to get a roofing contractor license in Illinois?
Processing time is typically 2-8 weeks (average 4-6 weeks). Register for exam at least 40 days before preferred date. after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for roofing contractors in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not currently require continuing education for roofing contractor license renewal.
Next steps
You know the requirements for roofing contractors in Illinois— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: IDFPR