Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Washington
Roofing, WA
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Washington
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Washington?
Types of Roofing Licenses in Washington
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Washington
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Washington?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Washington?
Washington Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Washington Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Do I Need to Renew My Washington Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Washington Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
National Roofing Certifications
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain roofing systems 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 Washington employs 5,560 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 Washington is much higher than the national average at 11% for roofers.
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 Washington.
Roofing License Requirements in Washington
Washington State requires all contractors to obtain a license, carry a bond, and maintain insurance. This licensing allows them to construct, remodel, repair, and demolish buildings, roads, and other structures.
General contractors must be licensed to handle almost any type of construction work. The state also offers 63 specialty contractor license classifications, including one for roofers.
Certain trades in the construction industry have additional requirements for education, examination, and licensing, including electrical contractors as well as contractors working with plumbing, elevators, mobile home installation, boilers, and asbestos.
In Washington, a contractor’s license covers both commercial and residential construction. General contractors and specialty contractors follow the same application process.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Washington?
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) regulates contractor licensing.The Department includes a step-by-step licensing guide on its website.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Washington
Washington offers two types of contractor licenses:
This license allows contractors to perform most types of construction work. They can hire subcontractors in multiple specialties.
Specialty Contractor License - Roofing
This license allows contractors to perform work only in the registered specialty area, including roofing. They cannot hire subcontractors.
According to the Department of L&I, “a contractor in this specialty installs and repairs materials common to the industry that form a watertight, weather-resistant surface for roofs and decks, including all accessories, plywood, coping, flashing, valleys, gravel stops, and roof insulation panels above the roof decks.”
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Washington
If working as a sole proprietor, register your business name and apply for a business license with the Washington State Department of Revenue.
If forming a limited liability partnership, liability company, partnership, or corporation business structure, you must file with the Washington Secretary of State and obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number.
Obtain an employer identification number.
Obtain a surety bond and general liability insurance coverage. The bond amount is $30,000 for general contractors and $15,000 for specialty contractors. All contractors must have a general liability insurance policy with $200,000 public liability coverage and $50,000 property damage, or a $250,000 combined single limit. The Department of Labor and Industries must be listed as the certificate holder.
Obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
Pay the $132.60 application fee
Submit the contractor license application
In person: Complete the PDF application for contractor registration and return to the L&I office. Make sure to include:
Your business name and business structure, or your Department of Revenue business registration and UBI number.
An original, completed application with notarized signatures. The department can also notarize signatures with any applicants who are present.
By mail: Complete the PDF application for contractor registration and mail to: Contractor Registration, P.O. Box 44450, Olympia, WA 98504-4450.
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 Washington?
In Washington state, the contractor registration fee for roofers is $132.60. You will also incur fees for meeting bonding and insurance requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Washington?
It takes the Department of Labor and Industries up to six weeks to process registration applications, according to the department’s website.
Washington 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 Washington that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Washington State University, Pullman | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
University of Washington, Seattle | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
Central Washington University, Ellensburg | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
Washington Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Washington doesn’t require passing an examination to qualify for a state contractor license. Some trades, including electrical and plumbing, do require you to pass an exam.
Do I Need to Renew My Washington Roofing License?
Washington contractor licenses for roofers must be renewed every two years for a fee of $132.60. You can renew online, in person, or by mail and pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.
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Continuing Education
Washington doesn’t require continuing education in order to renew contractor licenses, including for roofers. Some licenses in the trades, such as plumbing and electrical licenses, require license holders to complete continuing education before license renewal.
Does Washington Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
No, Washington doesn’t have reciprocal agreements with other states for specialty contractor licenses, including roofing.
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 via the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington.
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.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, general contractor, or electrical license in Washington, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
