Illinois roofing help: state roofer licenses, bonds and insurance claim rights
Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Roofing contractors in Illinois must hold a state license under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act, issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
What Illinois rules say
- It is unlawful to offer roofing services or call yourself a roofing contractor in Illinois without a license from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- Roofing or waterproofing work may be done only by a licensed roofing contractor or a licensed qualifying party. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- A limited roofing license covers only residential properties of 8 units or less; an unlimited license also covers commercial and industrial roofs. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- Licensed roofers must post a continuous bond of $10,000 for a limited license or $25,000 for an unlimited license. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- Applicants must show liability and property damage insurance and workers' compensation coverage for their roofing employees. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- Illinois law defines a roof recover as installing a new roof covering over a prepared existing one without removing it. The definition does not include a roof whose existing covering is water soaked or too deteriorated to serve as a base, or is slate or tile. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- It also does not include a roof that already has 2 or more layers of covering, unless the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has received and accepted a structural condition report from an Illinois licensed architect or structural engineer confirming the structure can support another layer. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- If your roof job depends on an insurance claim, you may cancel within five business days after a written denial or within 30 days after you sent the claim, whichever comes first. (source: Illinois Attorney General)
This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.
More Illinois topics
Sources
- Illinois General Assembly: 225 ILCS 335/9, Roofing Industry Licensing Act, licensure requirement (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Illinois General Assembly: 225 ILCS 335/2, Roofing Industry Licensing Act, definitions (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Illinois General Assembly: 225 ILCS 335/3, Roofing Industry Licensing Act, application for license (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Illinois Attorney General: Home Repair and Construction: Know Your Rights (checked November 2, 2026)
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