Licensing Guides

State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Delaware

category-iconRoofing, DE

Table of Contents

  1. Roofing License Requirements in Delaware

  2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Delaware?

  3. Types of Roofing Licenses in Delaware

  4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Delaware

  5. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Delaware?

  6. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Delaware?

  7. Delaware Roofer Training Programs and Schools

  8. Delaware Roofing Licensing Exam Details

  9. Do I Need to Renew My Delaware Roofing License?

  10. Continuing Education

  11. Does Delaware Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

  12. National Roofing Certifications

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work. 

There are 168,100 roofers nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Delaware employs 180 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% by 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Delaware is slightly higher at 7%. 

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the roofing industry, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Delaware.

Roofing License Requirements in Delaware

Delaware doesn’t offer a statewide roofing license. However, all contractors conducting business in Delaware must register as a Construction Contractor with the Delaware Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration and obtain a Delaware business license from the Delaware Division of Revenue.

To register as a contractor, you must be 18 years of age or older, and able to provide either a Social Security number or a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).

In addition, you must obtain workers’ compensation insurance, liability insurance, and unemployment insurance. 

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Delaware?

The Delaware Department of Labor's Office of Contractor Registration oversees contractor registration.

Types of Roofing Licenses in Delaware

Since Delaware only requires contractor registration, there are no separate types of contractor licenses for roofing. There are separate Delaware contractor licenses for plumbers, HVACR technicians, and electricians, which are overseen by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Delaware

Complete the following application process to become a registered contractor in the state of Delaware:

  1. Apply for the contractor registration online via the application form in the state’s One Stop portal.

  2. Obtain a state business license from the Delaware Division of Revenue. You must also register all employees with the Delaware Department of Labor.

  3. Pay a registration fee. The initial registration fee for the Contractor Registration is $300 if your business will bid on state contracts. The fee is $200 for businesses that don’t bid on state contracts.  

  4. Obtain general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and unemployment insurance. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

  • SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit

  • Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app

  • Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency

  • The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes

  • Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket

  • Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow

To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Delaware?

The Contractor Registration is $300 if your business bids on state contracts. If your business won’t bid on state contracts, the licensing fee is $200. You will also incur expenses for obtaining the required insurance. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Delaware?

Since there are no years of experience or education requirements to become a licensed contractor, the process for obtaining a Delaware Contractor Registration is relatively quick.

According to the Department of Labor Office of Contractor Registration, “After the Delaware Office of Contractor Registration receives a completed application and the corresponding fee, and assuming that there are no outstanding issues or violations, the Office of Contractor Registration will issue a Certificate of Registration.” 

Delaware Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout Delaware that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

Delaware Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There is no required exam for contractor registration in the state of Delaware.

Do I Need to Renew My Delaware Roofing License?

Yes, your contractor registration must be renewed a year after it’s issued for a $300 fee. After working as a registered contractor for at least two years with no penalties or violations, you can switch to a two-year renewal, which incurs a $500 renewal fee.

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Continuing Education

There is no continuing education requirement for contractor registration in Delaware.

Does Delaware Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

The state does not offer direct reciprocity for the Contractor Registration. Contractors from other states can complete the non-resident contractor registration after obtaining a surety bond.

National and State Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Delaware through an organization like the Delaware Contractors Association.

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

Additional Contractor License Requirements

The states have construction industry licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get specialty trade licenses (HVAC, plumbing, electrician) or a general contractor license in Delaware or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.