llinois Unlimited Roofing License Explained: What, Why, and How In 2026

The Unlimited Roofing License allows you to work on all commercial, industrial, and residential roofing projects in Illinois. The IDFPR issues this license when you pass its exam and fulfill the requirements. Working on commercial projects without an Unlimited License is a criminal offense in Illinois.

This license is crucial for both new roofers and business owners. We explain its importance, costs, and requirements in detail in this guide.

What Is An Unlimited Roofing License?

An unlimited roofing license is available to contractors whose roofing business is unlimited in nature (see what we did there!). This unlimited license allows the licensed roofing contractor to work on commercial, industrial, and residential properties of any size.

An unlimited license indicates that the roofing professional has the experience and the financial backing to handle complex roofing systems on a massive scale. This is the roofing contractor license you must obtain if you want to work on every type of roof.

Licensing Requirements and the Qualifying Party

The first requirement for a roofing license is designating a qualifying party. The qualifying party is the individual responsible for the day-to-day activities and supervision of roofing installation and roofing practices. 

According to the Financial and Professional Regulation guidelines, this person must pass the exam to prove their technical roofing knowledge. The qualifying party serves as the anchor for the state license, ensuring the company remains compliant with Illinois state law.

Core Requirements for the License Application

Here are some key requirements for obtaining the Unlimited roofing license:

• Age & Identity: The applicant or qualifying party must be at least 18 years old.
• Insurance: You must provide proof of public liability and property damage insurance (typically $250,000 per occurrence) and Workers' Compensation insurance if you have employees.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $125 must be submitted to the Illinois department.
• Bonding: You must obtain a license surety bond of $25000 from a company authorized to do work in Illinois.
• Corporate Registration: If you are operating as a corporation or LLC, you must be registered with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Detailed Breakdown of Licensing Costs

Obtaining an Illinois roofing contractor license involves several fixed and variable costs. Beyond the initial application fee, there are high overhead costs that must be managed to keep the roofing business profitable.

1. Application and Exam Fees

The primary state fees remain consistent for both limited and unlimited roofing license applicants. These fees are paid to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the testing agency.

• State Application Fee: $125.
• Examination Fee: $248 (Paid to the testing vendor).
• License Maintenance Fee: $62.50 per year (typically paid biennially).

2. Surety Bond Premiums

While the bond amount is fixed ($10,000 for limited and $25,000 for unlimited), the cost you pay is a premium based on your credit score and business history. This is a mandatory roofing license requirement under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act.

• Limited Bond ($10,000): Approximately $175 to $300 for a two-year term.
• Unlimited Bond ($25,000): Approximately $400 to $700 for a two-year term.

3. Insurance Premiums

This is often the most significant variable cost. Licensed roofing contractors must carry robust coverage to protect against the high-risk nature of roofing projects.

• Public Liability and Property Damage: Minimum $250,000 per occurrence.
• Personal Injury or Bodily Harm: Minimum $500,000 per occurrence.
• Workers' Compensation: Costs vary based on payroll and safety history; this is essential for any professional roofing contractor.

Roofing insurance costs are higher than the actual cost of a roofing license.

Roofing Exam and Exam Prep

You must pass the Illinois 105 roofing exam code-3 to get an Unlimited license. The roofing exam is administered by state roofing vendors. To obtain a license, the qualifying party must achieve a score of 70% or higher.

The Illinois roofing exam is known for being rigorous, covering roofing and waterproofing, safety (OSHA), and general roofing practices. The exam ensures that the roofing professional is well-versed in both residential and commercial roofing systems.

Preparing for the Test

4 out of 5 first-time candidates fail the Unlimited roofing license exam. Passing the exam requires a deep understanding of the necessary roofing study resources.  You must understand core topics like commercial and residential roofing systems, roofing terminologies, and standard regulations. 

Many successful candidates use exam prep courses to familiarize themselves with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) standards. Join our exam prep course to guarantee your success in this exam and in your career.

How to Obtain a Roofing License in Illinois: Step-by-Step

The process to obtain a roofing license is structured to ensure all legal and safety boxes are checked. Here is the standard path to get your license:

1. Submit an Application: Complete the official forms from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
2. Designate Your Qualifying Party: Ensure this individual meets all Illinois law requirements and possesses sufficient roofing knowledge.
3. Register for the Exam: Pay the examination fee and schedule your roofing exam at a designated testing center.
4. Provide Insurance & Bond: Ensure your license number will be backed by the required financial protections before final approval.
5. Pass the Exam: Once you pass the exam, you must complete the final licensure steps within 30 days of receiving your results.

Professional Standards and Compliance

Once you get your license, you must display your license number on all commercial vehicles used for the business and on all contracts. Licensed roofing entities must also stay compliant with the NRCA standards and local building requirements. Failure to maintain a licensed roofing contractor status can lead to fines of up to $1,500 per violation under Illinois state law.

Compliance also extends to the safe handling of roofing materials and adherence to OSHA safety protocols. A licensed roofing professional is expected to maintain high standards for both residential roofing and work on commercial projects. If your roofing business expands, you may need a limited or unlimited license upgrade to reflect the nature of your new roofing projects.

What happens if I fail the roofing exam?

If the qualifying party does not pass the exam, they must reapply and pay the examination fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can take the exam, but the costs can add up quickly, which is why intensive exam prep is highly recommended for any roofer looking to obtain a license on their first try.

For more information on the Illinois roofing industry licensing act or to begin your license application, contact the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Whether you are performing general roofing or specialized roofing and waterproofing, being a licensed roofing contractor is the only way to operate a legitimate roofing business in the state of Illinois.

FAQs on Unlimited Illinois Roofing License

How much does a roofing license in Illinois cost?

The initial cost for the application and exam is $373. However, when factoring in surety bonds, insurance, and exam prep courses, most contractors should budget between $1,500 and $3,000 to get their license and business fully operational and legally compliant with state roofing regulations.

Can I perform roofing work without a license in Illinois?

No. The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act mandates that anyone offering roofing services must be state-licensed roofing professional. Unlicensed roofing work is a criminal offense and can lead to significant legal penalties, including stop-work orders and heavy fines from the registrar of contractors or local building departments.

What is the difference between a limited or unlimited roofing license?

A limited roofing license is restricted to contractors whose roofing business is limited to residential roofing projects consisting of 8 units or fewer. An unlimited roofing license is required for any work in Illinois that involves industrial properties, large residential complexes, or commercial roofing systems.

How long is the roofing contractor license valid?

A roofing contractor's license in Illinois typically expires every two years in odd-numbered years. You must submit an application for renewal and pay the renewal fee to maintain active status. If your business is unlimited in nature, you must also prove that your bond and insurance are still active during the renewal process.

Bottom Line on Unlimited Roofing License

An Unlimited roofing license is a necessary document for contractors who want to work on any type of roof. You can get this license by passing the 105-3 or 105-2 roofing exam (if you've held the Limited License for 1 year).

Please remember, the Unlimited roofing license exam is much harder than the limited license exam. You will need a deep understanding of residential, commercial, and industrial roofing concepts. Join our exam prep course to ace the exam and get your license.