Roofing Law

What Are the Roofing License Requirements in Illinois and Chicago? featured image

What Are the Roofing License Requirements in Illinois and Chicago?

Becoming a licensed contractor is an important step for any roofer. Not only does it help homeowners and commercial property owners find your business, but it also helps to ensure that you are operating lawfully in the state of Illinois. Unfortunately, Illinois and Chicago’s licensing requirements are complicated, to say the least. In this brief article, we’ll discuss the licensing requirements in Illinois as well as the Windy City. This article is for educational purposes only. For help ensuring that you are properly licensed in your area, consult a roofing lawyer in Illinois with our law firm. 

License Requirements in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) is responsible for issuing roofing licenses to contractors throughout Illinois, but testing is conducted by separate entities, such as Continental Testing Services. Roofers can apply for a limited license (residential roofing), unlimited license (residential, commercial, and industrial roofing), or a commercial/industrial license. 

Related: Common Reasons for License Suspension

In addition to a $125 application fee, you will need to provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance as well as liability and property damage insurance. You will also need to obtain a surety bond in an amount dependent on the license type. Once the Application for Licensure as a Roofing Contractor has been submitted, you will have three years to complete the examination that corresponds to your license type. Consult a roofing attorney in Illinois with our law firm if you have any questions. 

Take note, roofers! Just because you’re licensed by Illinois doesn’t mean you’re licensed to conduct work in a specific city, especially in a city like Chicago. 

Licensing Requirements in Chicago. 

The city of Chicago lumps  roofing contractors in with general contractors. The Chicago Building Code defines a general contractor as a person who works  “to erect, construct, alter, repair, move, install, replace, convert, remodel, rehabilitate, modernize, improve or make additions to any building… “ The general contractor license application shows that license types range from A-E depending on the dollar limit per contract project. Among other pertinent information, you will need to provide proof of commercial general liability insurance. 

Related: What Types of Insurance Should Roofers Have and Why?

Annual licensing fees can range from $300-$2,000. That’s quite a bit of money, but it doesn’t compare to the penalties that can be incurred from contracting without a license or with an expired license. If you are ever accused of roofing without the proper licensure, be sure to consult an attorney with our roofing law firm. 

If you would like to speak with an experienced roofing lawyer in Illinois, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.