Key Takeaways
Illinois requires roofing contractors to hold an IDFPR license. Here is how to look up and verify a contractor's license before you hire.
Yes — Illinois requires roofing contractors to be licensed. The license is issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act, and any company performing roofing work in the state is required to hold one.
How Do I Look Up an Illinois Roofing License?
IDFPR maintains an online license lookup at idfpr.illinois.gov. Search by the contractor's business name or license number, select "Roofing Contractor" as the license type, and confirm the license shows as active with no unresolved disciplinary actions. If you'd rather verify by phone, IDFPR's licensing division can also confirm a license status directly.
What Should a Legitimate Contractor Be Able to Show You?
- A license number they can provide on request — Illinois requires licensed roofers to include it on contracts, bids, and advertising
- Proof of general liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers' compensation coverage
- A physical business address and a track record of local jobs, not just a phone number
Why Does This Matter More Right After a Storm?
Unlicensed, out-of-town operators tend to surge into an area immediately after hail or wind events, when demand spikes and homeowners are under pressure to move fast. These "storm chasers" often skip licensing entirely, take a deposit, and are gone before problems surface. If you've had recent storm damage, see our guide on storm damage roof response in Naperville for how to vet contractors calmly instead of rushing a decision.
What If a Contractor Can't Produce a License Number?
Treat it as disqualifying. A licensed, established contractor has no reason to hesitate on this — it's public information they're required to disclose. Combine a license check with the other vetting steps in our 10 questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor before you sign anything.
Verifying licensure takes a few minutes and rules out a large share of the operators homeowners regret hiring. For what a full, professionally installed roof replacement actually involves once you've found a licensed contractor, see our roof replacement page, or browse more guides in Hiring a Roofer & Buying Guide.