How to Check a Roofing Contractor’s License in Illinois

To check an Illinois roofing license, use the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) online License Lookup tool.

Search by the contractor’s business name or license number to verify their current status. This confirms they are authorized to perform roofing work in the state of Illinois.

Illinois roofers are managed by IDFPR and its Division of Professional Regulation (headquartered in Springfield).

Every Illinois roofing contractor must have a state-issued license. Even General Contractors need a separate roofing contractor license to take on roofing projects in Illinois.

The Easiest Way to Verify an Illinois Roofing License

The easiest way to verify an Illinois roofing contractor’s license is to search their nine digit license number. Use the IDFPR online portal to look it up.

Step-by-Step Process to Verify an Illinois Roofing License in 30 Seconds:

1. Find the roofer’s IL license number on their website or estimate. Illinois requires licensed roofers to include their license number on contracts, bids, and advertising.
   • For example, HomeHero’s IL roofing license is 104.019924 / 105.010799
2. Copy the first 9 digits and delete the period. So “104019924”
3. Go to the IDFPR license lookup website
4. Select ROOFING CONTRACTOR as the “License Type”. These are listed in alphabetical order so scroll until you find it.
5. Paste the 9 digit license number in the “License Number” field. Delete any extra spaces before or after the numbers.
6. Complete the “CAPTCHA” field. It’s case sensitive.
7. Click the blue “search” button at the bottom of the page.

Here’s exactly how it should look before you submit the form:

No other fields are required which is why this is the fastest way to look up if an Illinois roofer’s license is active.

Getting an error message? You probably have an extra space before or after the license number. Or you forgot to select ROOFING CONTRACTOR. Or you typed the wrong captcha (remember it’s case sensitive).

Simply correct it and resubmit. No need to select or edit any other fields.

Can I Verify a Roofer’s License by Using Their Business Name?

Yes, you can search by business name using the license lookup tool. But use this only as a last resort. It can get tricky since lots of roofers share similar names (like “Budget Roofing” or “Smith Roofing”).

Even small spelling differences matter in the form.

For example, searching “Home Hero Roofing” (two words) returns no results, but “HomeHero Roofing” (one word) finds us immediately. The IDFPR database requires an exact match. Both variations refer to HomeHero Roofing’s brand but some folks add an extra space.

Pro Tip from Andre: “Always search by license number, not business name. I’ve seen homeowners get confused because three different “ABC Roofing” companies show up in the results. Every legitimate roofer in Illinois is required by law to display their license number on their website and estimates. If you can’t find it easily, that’s your first red flag.”

Many roofing companies operate under a DBA (Doing Business As) name different from their legal entity. Try both the Legal Business Name and Doing Business As fields if your first search returns no results.

What to Look for in Their Illinois Roofing License Results

The first thing to confirm is that the license status is “ACTIVE.”

Also, make sure the business name, city/state, and license number match your records. You can find the license number under the “Credentials” column.

Additionally, the expiration date should be a future date. There should be no history of disciplinary action (marked as “N” in the “Ever Disciplined” field).

Here’s a snapshot of what an ACTIVE Illinois license looks like after an IDFPR lookup:

Don’t worry if the business name has a slight variation like PLLC or INC at the end. Most contractors use a shortened public-facing name or DBA instead of their longer full business name.

Basic Items To Look For:

• Active Status: Ensure the license shows as “Active” and not “Expired” or “Inactive.”
• License Number: Confirm it matches what the contractor provided.
• Ever Disciplined: This field should show as “N” or no. If “Y,” click the blue “Detail” button to see their infractions.
• Expiration Date: Confirm the expiration date is in the future.

What to Look For in the Detailed View

Click the blue “Detail” button to the left of the name. You’ll get an expanded view of their license details.

• Description: Should read as “LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR”
• City/State/Zip: This should match their public office address
• Qualifying Party: Should be an owner of the roofing business, not just an employee
• Ever Disciplined: Should be marked as “N.” If it shows “Y,” scroll down to review any fines, reprimands, or violations.

What Does a Clean License Look Like?

Here’s what a clean license record looks like using HomeHero Roofing as an example:

Field	Value	What It Tells You
Name	HOMEHERO ROOFING PLLC	Legal business entity
City/State/Zip	Downers Grove, IL 60515	Local Illinois address (good sign)
License Number	104019924	Unique ID you can verify
Description	LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR	Correct license type for roofing work
Status	ACTIVE	Currently authorized to perform work
First Effective Date	06/18/2024	When the license was originally issued
Effective Date	11/04/2025	Current license term start
Expiration Date	12/31/2027	License valid until this date
Qualifying Party	MATTHEW J BALDUCCI	Individual whose credentials qualify the business
Ever Disciplined	N	No fines, reprimands, or violations on record

Discover why 270+ homeowners chose HomeHero in our client stories.

What makes this a clean license:

• Status is ACTIVE
• Local Illinois address (not out-of-state)
• Ever Disciplined shows “N” (no disciplinary history)
• Expiration date is in the future
• Qualifying Party is an owner (Matt Balducci, CEO & Co-Owner)

Need help verifying a contractor? Send us the license number and your address, and we’ll tell you what we see plus what your village typically requires for permits. Contact us – no obligation.

What if I Can’t Find the Contractor in the Search Results?

Try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check spelling variations. “Smith Roofing” vs “Smith’s Roofing”
2. Search by owner name instead of business name
3. Uncheck “Active Licenses Only” in case the license is expired
4. Try partial names. “Smith” instead of “Smith Roofing Company LLC”
5. Call IDFPR directly at (800) 560-6420 or TTY (866) 325-4949

If you genuinely cannot find a contractor in the system, they may not be licensed. Consequently, this is a major red flag.

And if no roofing license appears after your search, request a copy of their license.

Any reputable roofing contractor in Illinois should have it available. If you’re unsure about a contractor’s legitimacy, consider getting a professional roof inspection from a verified local company first.

Why Should You Verify an Illinois Roofing Contractor’s License?

Verifying a contractor’s license isn’t just smart. In fact, it’s your legal and financial protection.

What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Roofer in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335), the penalties are serious.

Criminal penalties:

• First offense: Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500
• Repeat violations: Class 4 felony with fines up to $25,000

Administrative penalties (IDFPR can impose):

• Fines up to $10,000 per violation
• Cease and desist orders
• License suspension or revocation

This applies to General Contractors too. In other words, even if a contractor has a General Contractor license, they still need a separate roofing license to legally perform roofing work in Illinois.

For you as the homeowner:

• If an uninsured worker gets injured on your property, you may be held liable
• Work performed without permits may void your homeowner’s insurance
• You have limited legal recourse if the work is substandard
• Selling your home may require disclosure of unpermitted work

For more on choosing a reliable roofing contractor, see our complete guide.

What Does Each Field Mean on an Illinois Roofing License?

Understanding the license details helps you spot both legitimate contractors and red flags.

What Types of Roofing Licenses Exist in Illinois?

Illinois issues two distinct types of roofing licenses. Confirm your contractor has the right one for your specific project.

License Type	Project Scope	Surety Bond Required
Limited	Residential projects, 8 units or fewer	$10,000
Unlimited	Any project (commercial, industrial, residential of any size)	$25,000

For most homeowners, either license type covers your project. However, if you’re part of an HOA or condo association with more than 8 units, you’ll need a contractor with an Unlimited license.

Is a Limited or Unlimited License Better?

For most homeowners, it doesn’t matter. Both license types cover typical residential projects. The main difference: Limited is capped at 8 units, Unlimited has no restrictions.

Both require the contractor to carry insurance and post a surety bond for your protection. Learn more about how warranties protect your investment.

What Does “Active” vs “Inactive” Status Mean?

ACTIVE: The license is current and in good standing. The contractor is legally authorized to perform roofing work in Illinois.

INACTIVE: The license is not currently valid. This could mean:

• The contractor failed to renew on time
• They voluntarily let the license lapse
• IDFPR suspended or revoked the license due to violations

Note: Some legitimate contractors may briefly show as “Inactive” during the renewal window. According to IDFPR, renewals take 2-4 business days to process. However, always verify a license shows as “Active” before signing any contracts.

Who is the “Qualifying Party” and Why Does it Matter?

The Qualifying Party is the individual whose professional credentials qualify the business for its roofing license. This person passed the IDFPR roofing contractor examination. They appear as the responsible party on the license.

This matters because:

• If this person leaves the company, the business may no longer be properly licensed
• If this person has violations, it reflects on the company’s operations
• It tells you who is professionally responsible for the company’s work

Pro Tip from Andre: The Qualifying Party should ideally be an owner of the roofing company, not just an employee. If the owner isn’t listed as the Qualifying Party, it should give you pause. An owner has the most accountability and skin in the game. When an owner is the Qualifying Party, it means they personally demonstrated the knowledge required to pass the roofing contractor exam. They’re putting their own name on the line for the company’s work. If the Qualifying Party is just an employee who could leave tomorrow, the company’s license status becomes uncertain.

This is one of the reasons we believe in owner accountability at HomeHero Roofing. Our CEO Matt Balducci is the Qualifying Party on our license.

What Does “Ever Disciplined: Y” Mean?

This means the contractor has disciplinary history on their record. Scroll down to the Disciplinary Actions section to see:

• What violations occurred
• When they occurred
• What penalties were imposed
• Whether there’s a pattern of behavior

What Do Fines and Disciplinary Actions Look Like on an Illinois Roofing License?

Here’s a real example of what you might find when checking a contractor’s license.

Example: A Licensed Contractor with Disciplinary History

Field	What It Shows
Status	ACTIVE
First Effective Date	03/18/2010
Ever Disciplined	Y

At first glance, this looks fine. After all, it’s an active license since 2010. But scrolling down reveals:

Disciplinary Actions:

Case Number	Action	Date	Reason
2009005381	Fine	07/06/2010	Due to violation of Act and Rules
2009005381	Reprimand	07/06/2010	Due to violation of Act and Rules
2014005043	Fine	06/12/2015	Based on aiding and assisting unlicensed practice of roofing contracting
2014005043	Reprimand	06/12/2015	Based on aiding and assisting unlicensed practice of roofing contracting

What Does “Aiding and Assisting Unlicensed Practice” Mean?

This violation means the contractor let unlicensed workers perform roofing under their license. It’s serious because the people doing your roof may not be qualified, and if something goes wrong, accountability gets complicated.

Should You Avoid Any Contractor with Disciplinary History?

Not automatically. However, you should use the information to inform your decision.

Context matters. For example, a single fine from 15 years ago for a paperwork issue is different from multiple violations for substandard work. Similarly, some violations are administrative (late renewals) vs. substantive (consumer harm, unlicensed work).

Questions to ask the contractor:

• “I noticed your license shows a disciplinary action from [date]. Can you explain what happened?”
• “What changes have you made to your operations since then?”
• “How do you ensure all workers on my project are properly licensed and insured?”

What would concern us more:

• Multiple violations over time (pattern of behavior)
• Recent violations (haven’t cleaned up their act)
• Violations related to workmanship, fraud, or unlicensed subcontracting
• Contractor who refuses to discuss their history

Pro Tip from Andre: “Honestly? There are so many roofers in Illinois with spotless records that I don’t see a reason to take a chance on someone with disciplinary history. The western suburbs alone have dozens of reputable contractors. Why gamble on a company that’s already shown they cut corners?”

For data-driven comparisons of local contractors with verified credentials, see our best roofing contractors in Naperville and Downers Grove rankings.

What Should You Do if a Contractor’s License is Expired or Suspended?

Do not hire them until the issue is resolved. An expired or suspended license means:

• They cannot legally perform roofing work
• Their insurance and bond may also have lapsed
• You have no protection if something goes wrong

If you’ve already received an estimate from a contractor whose license turns out to be expired, ask them to provide proof of reinstatement before moving forward.

What Red Flags Should You Watch for When Verifying a License?

These warning signs are specific to the license verification process.

What Are the License-Specific Signs of a Bad Roofer?

• No license number displayed: Illinois requires licensed roofers to include their license number on contracts, bids, and advertising (websites count as advertising). If you can’t find it, that’s a problem.
• Asking you to pull the permit: If a contractor asks you to pull a “homeowner’s permit” for a roofing job, it’s often a sign they are unlicensed or trying to avoid state accountability.
• “Ever Disciplined” shows “Y”: Review the violations before hiring. Multiple violations or recent issues are more concerning than a single old fine.
• Out-of-state business address: Common sign of storm chasers who may be gone before you discover problems with the work.
• License status is anything other than “Active”: Expired, Inactive, Suspended, or Refused means they cannot legally perform roofing work.
• Qualifying Party is not an owner: If the person listed as the Qualifying Party isn’t an owner of the company, it means less accountability. Ask about it.
• Won’t provide license number when asked: A legitimate contractor will proudly share their credentials.

Want the Full List of Roofing Scam Warning Signs?

For a complete breakdown of red flags beyond license verification (storm chasers, high-pressure sales tactics, fake companies, and payment scams), see our in-depth guide: How to Tell If a Roofer Is Lying: 10 Red Flags of Roofing Scams

Licenses and Permits in Chicago’s Western Suburbs (What We See Most)

If you’re hiring a roofer in the western Chicago suburbs, here’s what you need to know about how licensing and permits work locally.

License verification is statewide. The IDFPR lookup works for any Illinois roofing contractor, whether they’re based in Downers Grove, Naperville, Hinsdale, or anywhere else in the state.

Permits vary by municipality. Each village has its own permit requirements and fees:

• Most roof replacements in Downers Grove require a permit pulled by the contractor
• Naperville roofing projects typically need permits for full replacements, not always for repairs
• Hinsdale and La Grange have similar requirements with village inspections

Common homeowner confusion: Many homeowners assume the state license covers everything. It doesn’t. Your roofer needs both a valid state license AND to pull local permits for your specific project. If they say “we don’t need a permit for this,” verify with your village building department.

What inspectors typically check: Proper underlayment, ice and water shield at eaves and valleys, correct flashing, and that the work matches what was permitted. An inspection protects you.

Pro Tip from Andre: “I’ve seen homeowners in Naperville and Hinsdale get burned by contractors who had valid state licenses but never pulled local permits. When the roof failed, the homeowner had no recourse because the work was never inspected. Always confirm your contractor will pull the permit in your village’s name, not ask you to do it.”

What Other Ways Can You Verify a Roofing Contractor in Illinois?

A license is the minimum. It’s not the complete picture.

How Can You Verify Insurance Coverage Independently?

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing:

• General liability coverage (minimum $1 million recommended)
• Workers’ compensation insurance

Pro Tip from Andre: “Don’t just look at the COI. Call the insurance company directly and verify the policy is still active. I’ve seen contractors hand over certificates that expired months ago. It takes five minutes and could save you from a nightmare scenario if someone gets hurt on your property.”

Some contractors provide outdated or falsified certificates.

What Resources Can Illinois Homeowners Use to Verify Roofers?

Contact IDFPR

• Phone: (800) 560-6420
• TTY: (866) 325-4949
• Email: [email protected]
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM CT

For the license lookup tool, legal text, and administrative rules, see the Official Resources box at the top of this page.

File a Complaint

Had a bad experience? File a complaint with IDFPR: idfpr.illinois.gov/admin/complaints.html

What Changed for Illinois Roofing Licenses in 2026?

The Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act was extended through January 1, 2031, with several updates that directly affect how you verify contractors.

What this means for homeowners:

Higher penalties for unlicensed work. Maximum fines increased from $10,000 to $15,000 per violation. This gives IDFPR more teeth to go after bad actors.

Stricter Qualifying Party rules. If a company’s Qualifying Party leaves, they must notify IDFPR within 30 business days and name a replacement within 60 business days. This matters because a company without a valid QP isn’t properly licensed. When you check a license, verify the Qualifying Party is still listed and active.

Contracts must include email and phone. All roofing contracts now require a valid email address and land-based telephone number. If a contractor only provides a cell phone or no email, that’s a red flag.

Expanded definition of “roofing work.” The law now covers more activities under the licensing requirement. More work requires a license, which means more protection for you.

Pro Tip from Andre: “The QP rule change is a big deal. I’ve seen companies where the Qualifying Party left months ago and the business kept operating in a gray area. Now there’s a hard deadline. When you check a license, look at the Qualifying Party field and ask the company directly: “Is [name] still with your company?” If they hesitate, dig deeper.”

OSHA enforcement is also tightening in 2026:

• New heat illness prevention standards require water, shade, and rest breaks
• Fall protection remains the top enforcement priority
• Illinois has a backstop law (SB 1976) that adopts federal OSHA standards at the state level

Licensed, reputable contractors already follow these standards. Unlicensed operators often don’t. Another reason to verify before you hire.

Ready to Work with a Licensed, Verified Roofer in Chicago’s Western Suburbs?

At HomeHero Roofing, we encourage every homeowner to verify our credentials before signing a contract. We’re fully licensed, insured, and bonded, with a clean record on IDFPR. See what our customers say in our verified reviews.

• Illinois Roofing License: 104.019924 (Limited) / 105.010799 (Unlimited)
• Service Area: Downers Grove, Naperville, Hinsdale, La Grange, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, Darien, and surrounding western Chicago suburbs
• Warranty: 10-year workmanship warranty on all roof replacements

Questions? We’re happy to provide our license number, insurance certificates, and local references. Contact us for a free roof inspection.