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

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in Maine

2. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Maine?

3. Types of Roofing Licenses in Maine

4. Steps to Get a Roofing License in Maine

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

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

7. Maine Roofer Training Programs and Schools

8. Maine Roofing Licensing Exam Details

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

10. Continuing Education

11. Does Maine 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 Maine employs 570 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, Maine is projected to have a 1% decline in roofing positions. 

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 Maine.

Roofing License Requirements in Maine

Maine does not require a roofing license or any general contractor license at the state level. In addition, most municipalities in the state of Maine have few, if any, contractor license requirements, including for home construction or home improvement.

All business entities, including roofing contractors, must obtain a business license in the municipality where they plan to work and provide a written contract with specific information for any construction projects or remodeling work valued over $3,000 in the state of Maine. 

According to the Maine Attorney General’s website, “These provisions include, among other things, a warranty statement, language limiting deposits to no more than one-third the total contract price, estimated start and substantial completion dates, and that all change orders must be in writing and signed by both parties.”

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Maine?

Maine lacks a statewide roofing license. However, most cities require you to obtain a local business license to work as a home contractor or commercial contractor. In Portland, business licenses are granted by the City Business License Administrator. In Bangor, the City Clerk grants business licenses. 

Types of Roofing Licenses in Maine

Since Maine doesn’t regulate contractor licensing, there are no different types of roofing licenses in the state. 

Other industries require licensing, such as the journeyman electrician or master electrician license from the Office of Professional and Financial Regulation’s Electricians’ Examining Board or the master plumber license from the Plumbers’ Examining Board.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in Maine

Obtaining a business license at the local level follows the same general steps, outlined below:

1. Apply for a business license. For Portland, apply online via the City’s Citizen Self Service Portal. For Bangor, fill out the license application form online using easy-fill, or print it out and mail it to the City Clerk at 73 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine, 04401

2. Pay any relevant application fees. In Portland, business licenses incur a $45 processing fee. There’s no license fee in Bangor.

3. If applicable, complete a criminal background check. In Portland, business license applicants are required to pass a background check with the police department.

4. Obtain any required insurance coverage, such as liability insurance or unemployment insurance. All applicants in Portland and Bangor must file evidence of workers' compensation 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 Maine?

Since there’s no statewide Maine contractor license, the costs associated with licensure depend on business licensing fees in the locality in which you intend to work. In Portland, a business license incurs a $45 fee. 

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

There are no work experience or education requirements to becoming a roofing contractor in Maine, meaning the process to get started is relatively quick. Contractors simply have to obtain a business license for each locality where they intend to work. 

Maine 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 Maine that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

• Central Maine Community College | Auburn | Certificate or AAS degree in Building Construction Technology — 1 to 2 years

• Eastern Maine Community College | Bangor | Certificate or AAS degree in Building Construction — 1 to 2 years

• University of Maine | Orono | BS in Construction Engineering Technology — 4 years

Maine Roofing Licensing Exam Details

There is no required exam to work as a roofer or building contractor in the state of Maine.

Do I Need to Renew My Maine Roofing License?

Portland and Bangor both require business licenses to be renewed annually. In Portland, there is a $35 renewal fee. Bangor doesn’t charge a renewal fee. 

Continuing Education

Maine doesn’t require roofers to complete continuing education in order to renew their license. 

Does Maine Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

Because Maine doesn't issue a roofing contractor license at the state level, there are no license reciprocity agreements with other states for construction contractors. 

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 Maine through one of the industry associations in the state, like the North East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA).

Resources

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

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.

There are state licensing requirements and licensing boards for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumber, general contractor, or electrician license in Maine, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.