The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335) is the primary statute governing the profession of roofing in the Illinois State. Enacted by the General Assembly, its stated legislative purpose is to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare of citizens.
For any roofing contractor operating in the state, this Act dictates everything including licensing requirements and business advertisement. Understanding this license will help you make better career decisions without breaking any laws.
The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335) was originally enacted by the 83rd General Assembly via Public Act 83-1513, becoming effective on January 14, 1985. The legislative purpose was clear from day one:
"to safeguard the public by regulating the business of roofing construction"
The law underwent its most critical modernization at the turn of the millennium with the passage of Public Act 91-950, which took effect on February 9, 2001. This amendment fundamentally:
Most recently, the Act was saved from automatic repeal by Senate Bill 2503, which was enacted as Public Act 104-0427 on August 15, 2025. It was sponsored by:
This crucial legislation:
This extension ensures that the IDFPR retains the authority to enforce standards and discipline non-compliant roofers for the next decade. What does the actual act do? Let's fine out.
Source: Section 2 (Definitions)
The Illinois General Assembly explicitly defines who needs a license and creates two distinct tiers. The law clarifies that a "roofing contractor" is one who has the experience and skill to construct, maintain, and repair roofs using materials and items used in the repair of all kinds of roofing systems.
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues licenses available to contractors whose roofing business fits specific criteria:
Potential roofers have to choose between the Limited and Unlimited License based on their needs. The Act also specifies the exam paths for both licenses.
The Act creates a vital role called the Qualifying Party. The qualifying party is the individual who must take the examination. It means that if your business is a corporation, the entity (company) holds the license.
However, the company must designate one individual to serve as a qualifying party. This person must be actively engaged in the day-to-day activities, supervise the roofing work, and ensure compliance with 225 ILCS 335.
Source: Section 3 (Application) & Section 3.2 (Bond)
To obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), you must meet strict financial and legal safeguards. The act highlights all of these licensing requirements under separate sub-headings.
The licensing process requires the applicant to submit evidence of:
Your application for licensure will be denied, if you fail to acquire these insurances. Fortunately, you don't have to pay for these insurances upfront. The actual roofing insurance costs are only a fraction of their coverage amount.
Source: Section 3.5 (Examination)
The Illinois Department mandates testing to prove competence in the profession. The one individual who will serve as the qualifying party must pass the exam.
You have 3 years from your application date to pass the exam. If you fail the roofing exam, you must reapply and pay the fees again. Many contractors use exam prep courses designed pass the real exam on the first try.
Source: Section 5 (Display of License) & Section 5.5 (Contracts)
The Act also dictates how you display the license after acquiring it. This section was added to improve transparency and reduce fraud. It dictates when and how roofing contractors should display licenses.
You must affix your license number to:
When signing a contract, you must provide a land-based phone number, an accurate email address, and a street address. The Illinois General Assembly included this to prevent "storm chasers" from disappearing after doing poor work.
Source: Section 6 (Expiration)
According to the act, roofing license status is not permanent. Licenses expire biennially and will require renewal. The act specifies two actions:
You must pay $62.50 per year ($125 for 2-Years) to renew your roofing license. Failing to renew a license in time will force a deactivated or dormant status. In this scenario, you must pay an additional fee for reinstatement.
Source: Section 9, 10, & 10A
The Act takes a hard line on unlicensed roofers or anyone who performs roofing without a license. It highlights the risk of unlicensed roofing and places hefty fines of up to $15,000 per violation. The new SB 2503 increased it from $5,000 to $15,000.
The act highlights three distinct transgressions. These are:
Any person practicing without a license can face a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each offense. Unlicensed roofing is a serious crime in the eyes of the Illinois State courts.
Source: Section 11 (Application of Act)
Holding a state license does not exempt you from local building laws. The Act explicitly states that nothing limits the power of a municipality to regulate the quality of roofing and waterproof work.
You need the license to get the local roofing permit. Officials must verify your state license before issuing building permits. Furthermore, any and all permit applications must contain your name, roofing license number, email, and other crucial information.
Source: Section 11.5
The Act created the Roofing Advisory Board. This board consists of 7 licensed roofing contractors and one public member. They advise the Director of Professional Regulation on the administration of the Act.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues the Illinois roofing contractor license. Contractors must apply through IDFPR, meet insurance requirements and pass the state examination to get their license.
The Illinois roofing contractor license renewal fee is $62.5 per year. Contractors must renew the license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Late renewals incur additional penalty fees, and operating without a valid license can result in fines exceeding $5,000.
Illinois requires a roofing contractor license to perform roofing work. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates all residential and commercial roofing contractors. Contractors must obtain a limited or unlimited license after meeting the necessary requirements.
The Illinois Roofing Industry License Act was created to regulate the profession. The act has protected the rights of both roofers and homeowners, by improving transparency and accountability.
According to the act, you cannot perform roofing work without a valid license. Fortunately, getting license is easier than ever with our roofing classes. We help you prepare for the exam, while meeting each and every requirement of the licensing act.
We explain everything including laws & progression in our classes.
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