Do Illinois Roofing Contractors Have To Display Their Licenses?

Roofing contractors do not have to always physically carry or display their license. However, they must display their roofing license information on company vehicles and all official paperwork, including permits, contracts, bids, and business cards.

Failing to display your license number or other infomation will lead to fines. As a roofing contractor in Illinois you should know the laws about license display. It will help you avoid fines and improve your credibility.

Where Should You Display Your Roofing License?

According to Section 5 of the state of Illinois Roofing Act, licensed roofing contractors must display license numbers on:

• Contracts or Bids
• Advertising Materials
• Building Permit Applications
• Commercial Vehicles
• Place of Business

All of these instances are detailed in the act and roofing contractors are subject to them. Let us explain how and why.

1. Contracts and Bids

The contractors and bids are highlighted in section 5.5. The exact wording is expansive, but here's the brief version:

• Requirement: Contractors must include their license number and name on all contracts and bids.
• Explanation: This ensures transparency and allows clients to verify the contractor's credentials.

It applies to all contracts you make with individuals or companies. The section also emphasizes that a contractor must provide additional identification (if asked). However, private indentification information (except name) is exempt from disclosure.

2. Advertising Materials

Every roofing business uses advertorials to get more roofing jobs and leads. According to Section 5 (D) of the Illinois roofing industry licensing act states that:

No person licensed under this Act may advertise services regulated by this Act unless that person includes in the advertisement the roofing contractor license number and the licensee's name, as it appears on the license.

Naturally, here's what you should keep in mind:

• Requirement: All advertisements must display the contractor's license number and name.
• Explanation: This includes business cards, flyers, websites, and social media pages.

Also, this subsection specifies that the advertising party is not liable for any verification or backgrounds. It means that it is your sole responsibility to provide accurate licensing information for advertorials.

3. Building Permit Applications

Section 5 A, A-3, and A-5 specificy the display and accuracy of license numbers on building permits. According to these sections:

• License numbers must be included in building permit applications
• Building permits cannot be issued until officials confirm the license validity

You won't always need a building permit for roofing work. For example, certain small roofing repair projects don't require a permit in RockFord. However, for the situations where you do require one, you can't get one without displaying your roofing license number.

4. Commercial Vehicles

According to Section 5, all commercial vehicles associated with the company must display their Illinois roofing license number and licensee's name. 

• Requirement: Contractors must affix their license number and name on all commercial vehicles used in their roofing business.
• Explanation: This helps in identifying licensed contractors and deters unlicensed operations.

Local authorities and enforcers can cite your vehicle if it fails the check. Failing to display your license can cause civil penalty fines of $250 to $1000 per violation. These fines were bolstered after the 104th General Assembly SB2503 Addition.

5. Place of Business

You must also display your license in your company office or headquarters. This measure was included so potential inspectors or clients can verify validity more easily. It might seem inconsequential, but failing to hang one up in your office could lead to legal problems.

You should hang your license:

• In your personal office
• Near the reception desk
• On your website
• On a display wall

You can display your license in multiple places. There is no upper limit as long as you display at least once copy in your office.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The roofing industry is very clear about the consequences of non-compliance. When a roofingf contractors fails to display their license number, one of two things will happen.

1. Legal Penalties: Failure to display the license as required can result in a Class A misdemeanor, fines up to $1,000 per offense
2. Suspension of License: The necessary authorities may suspend of revoke the roofing license of the contractor in question. 

You might face even heavier fines if you do not display a valid license or try to impersonate another person. While it may seem outlandish, countless people try to imitate other professionals to perform roofing work.

Please understand the risks of unlicensed roofing and acquire the necessary license. Please get your license and display it where necessary to avoid problems.

FAQs on Displaying License

How much does a roofing license cost in Illinois?

An Illinois roofing contractor license costs $125 (application) and $248 (examination) fee. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) also requires a $125 renewal fee for a two-year license term. Applicants must also provide a $10,000 surety bond and proof of insurance with at least $250,000 per occurrence.

Where should I display the roofing license number on vehicle?

Display the Illinois roofing license number on both sides of any vehicle used for roofing work. The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act requires the license number to be clearly visible and legible from at least 50 feet. Use contrasting lettering and place the number on the vehicle’s exterior panels, not on windows.

How do I check if my license is valid in Illinois?

Check if your Illinois license is valid by using the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) online license lookup. Enter your full name, license number, or business name to view the current status. The system displays active, expired, suspended, or revoked licenses in real time.

Bottom Line on Roofing License Display Regulations

According to licensing act, every roofer in Illinois must display their valid roofing license number on contracts, building permits, advertising materials, offices, and vehicles. Failing to display their roofing license can cause fines of up to $1000 per transgression.

Displaying a license number that belongs to someone else or is fabricated can cause even heavier penalties. All in all, you must display license information on all offcial work related documents.