Roofing Contractor License Requirements in Massachusetts

Registration Required — Not a License

Massachusetts does not license roofing contractors at the state level, but it does require a mandatory statewide registration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) / Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL Roof Covering) — no trade exam. The fees, bond and insurance below are what registration requires; the difference from a license is that the state does not test competency. Massachusetts does not license roofers separately. Residential roofing on a 1-4 unit owner-occupied home requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration ($150 + a Guaranty Fund contribution of $100-$500 by employee count, renewing $100 every 2 years). Structural roof work must be supervised by a Construction Supervisor License holder with the 'Roof Covering' specialty.

Licensing Authority	Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) / Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL Roof Covering) (OCABR)
License Type	No dedicated roofing license (HIC registration / CSL Roof Covering specialty)
Experience Required	None for HIC registration (no exam or experience requirement). The CSL Roof Covering specialty requires the same 3-year building-construction/design experience as the general CSL.
Exam Required	No
Bond Required	No
Insurance	General liability: required. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education	Not required
Processing Time	Varies

Set up the business before you apply in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts. 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

Massachusetts does NOT license roofers as a standalone trade.
The HIC Guaranty Fund compensates homeowners up to $25,000 for unpaid judgments against a registered contractor, including roofers.

You're registered in Massachusetts 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 Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) / Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL Roof Covering) issues the No dedicated roofing license (HIC registration / CSL Roof Covering specialty); the business that invoices Massachusetts 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 registration number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
Massachusetts does not require a surety bond for this registration.
Carry the insurance the registration requires.
Massachusetts requires general liability insurance for this registration. Residential roofing under HIC registration requires proof of 'adequate contractor insurance' (201 CMR 18.02); the regulation states no specific dollar minimum. Workers' compensation is required once you hire employees. Contractor insurance requirements→
Register locally.
Massachusetts does not license roofers separately. Residential roofing on a 1-4 unit owner-occupied home requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration ($150 + a Guaranty Fund contribution of $100-$500 by employee count, renewing $100 every 2 years). Structural roof work must be supervised by a Construction Supervisor License holder with the 'Roof Covering' specialty.
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→

Other licenses in Massachusetts

General Contractor license in Massachusetts
Statewide license required · $238 in initial government fees · BBRS
Electrician license in Massachusetts
Statewide license required · $226 in initial government fees · BSEE
Plumber license in Massachusetts
Statewide license required · $83 in initial government fees · BSEPGF
HVAC Technician license in Massachusetts
No statewide license — check local requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a roofing contractor license in Massachusetts?

No — Massachusetts does not issue a statewide roofing contractor license, but it requires a mandatory statewide registration with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (HIC) / Board of Building Regulations and Standards (CSL Roof Covering). There is no trade exam; registration carries its own fee and insurance requirements.

Do I need a roofing contractor license in Massachusetts?

No, Massachusetts does not require a statewide roofing contractor license. However, local permits or registrations may be required. Massachusetts does not license roofers separately. Residential roofing on a 1-4 unit owner-occupied home requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration ($150 + a Guaranty Fund contribution of $100-$500 by employee count, renewing $100 every 2 years). Structural roof work must be supervised by a Construction Supervisor License holder with the 'Roof Covering' specialty.

What do I need to work as a roofing contractor in Massachusetts?

While no statewide license is required, you may need local business licenses, building permits, or contractor registration depending on your city or county. Residential roofing under HIC registration requires proof of 'adequate contractor insurance' (201 CMR 18.02); the regulation states no specific dollar minimum.

Does Massachusetts require insurance for roofing contractors?

General liability insurance is required for roofing contractors in Massachusetts. Workers compensation is required if you have employees. Residential roofing under HIC registration requires proof of 'adequate contractor insurance' (201 CMR 18.02); the regulation states no specific dollar minimum.

What trades DO require a state license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts requires statewide licensing for: general contractor, electrician, plumber. Each has its own licensing authority, fees, and requirements.

Next steps

You know the requirements for roofing contractors in Massachusetts— here's how to actually pass and apply.

Pass the exam →What to study, prep courses, and first-try strategies for the contractor license exam.Roofing Contractor requirements in every state →Compare apprenticeship hours, exams, fees, and the full path to getting licensed.

Data last verified: 2026-07-05 | Source: OCABR