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.

History of the Industry Licensing Act

The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335) was originally enacted by the 83rd General Assembly via Public Act 83-1513, becoming effective on January 14, 1985.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:

• Changed how you get licensed.
• Introduced the "Qualifying Party" concept.
• Mandated written examinations.
• Distinguished the Limited and Unlimited licenses.

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:

•  Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton
• Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr.,

This crucial legislation:

• Extended the life of the roofing licensing act until January 1, 2031.
• Increased the maximum civil penalty for violations to $15,000 and
• Tightened regulations on "renting" licenses.

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.

1. Roofing Contractor License Types and Definitions

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 Two License Classes

The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues licenses available to contractors whose roofing business fits specific criteria:

• Limited Roofing License: This license is made available to contractors whose business is limited to residential roofing. The Act defines this strictly as including residential properties consisting of 8 units or less. If you work on condos or small apartments consisting of 8 units or fewer, this applies to you.
• Unlimited Roofing License: This license is for contractors whose roofing business is unlimited in nature and includes roofing on residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This allows you to work on large commercial structures and high-rises.

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 "Qualifying Party"

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.

2. Requirements to Obtain a License

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.

Insurance and Bonds

The licensing process requires the applicant to submit evidence of:

• Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance: Necessary to cover potential property damage.
• Workers' Compensation: Required for all employees.
• Unemployment Insurance: You must have an Illinois ID number.
• Surety Bond: Contractors must post a continuous bond:
  • $10,000 for a limited license.
  • $25,000 for an unlimited roofing license.

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.

3. Pass the Exam: IDFPR and Testing

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.

• The Limited Roofing exam covers residential roofing practices, including shingle installation and safety.
• The Unlimited License exam covers residential, commercial, and industrial roofing practices.

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.

4. Operational Rules: Advertising and Contracts

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.

Displaying Your License Number

You must affix your license number to:

• All contracts and bids.
• All applications for building permits.
• All commercial vehicles used for your business.
• All advertisements.

Contract Requirements

When signing a contract, you must provide a land-based phone number, an accurate email addres, and a street address. The Illinois General Assembly included this to prevent "storm chasers" from disappearing after doing poor work.

5. License Renewal and Expiration

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:

• Expiration: Licenses expire at midnight on June 30 of each odd-numbered year.
• Renewal: You must renew your license with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before this date to continue to perform roofing legally.

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 reistatement.

6. Unlicensed Practice and Civil Penalty

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 upto $15,000 per aggression. The new SB 2503 increased it from $5,000 to $15,000.

Prohibitions

The act highlights three distinct transgressions. These are:

• It is unlawful to practice without a roofing contractor license.
• It is unlawful for sellers of roofing materials to subcontract to unlicensed entities.
• It is illegal to fabricate or use someone elses license when they aren't your QP.

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.

7. Local vs. State Authority

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.

8. The Roofing Advisory Board

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.

FAQs on Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act

Who issues an Illinois roofing contractor license?

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.

How much is the license renewal fee in Illinois?

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.

Does Illinois require a roofing license?

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.

Bottom Line on Illinois Roofing Act

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.