Do Roofers Need a License in Texas?

The short answer

No. Texas doesn't require roofing contractors to hold a state-issued license. A 2025 House committee analysis of a roofer-licensing bill opens with exactly that point: "Texas does not currently require a state-issued license for reroofing contractors" (HB 3344 bill analysis, 89th Legislature). That bill's last recorded action was on May 8, 2025, when it was sent to the House Calendars Committee, and it didn't become law (bill history). Roofing also isn't on the list of programs licensed and regulated by TDLR, the state agency that licenses trades such as electricians and air conditioning contractors. Because there's no state license to look up, East Texas homeowners have to check a roofer in other ways.

What "licensed" can mean in a roofer's ad

You'll still see roofers advertise that they're "licensed." That usually means one of these:

• A voluntary industry credential. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas says its "licensed roofing contractor" program is voluntary and run by the association, and that TDLR doesn't administer roofing licensure (RCAT consumer page).
• A local permit or registration. Some cities require a permit for a roof replacement. Our post on roof replacement permits in Tyler and Longview shows what that looks like, and rules differ by city.
• A license for other work. A company may hold a state license for something else it does, which isn't a roofing license.

None of these is a state roofing license. Ask the roofer what their "license" refers to.

What Texas law does require of roofers

There isn't a license, but several state laws still apply to roofing work:

• No deductible waivers. For a contract of $1,000 or more expected to be paid from a property insurance claim, the contract must include a bold notice that Texas law requires you to pay your deductible. A seller who offers to waive, absorb, or rebate it commits an offense (Business & Commerce Code §27.02).
• No acting as your adjuster. The Texas Department of Insurance says a roofer can't act as a public insurance adjuster on a claim for a property they're also working on, or advertise that they will (TDI: Roofing and insurance). TDI says to report violations to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508.
• A 3-day right to cancel for many contracts signed at your home after a door-to-door pitch. See Texas's 3-day cancellation rule for roofing contracts.
• Homestead contract rules when the work is on your homestead. See homestead roof contracts and liens.

How to check a roofer when there's no state license

These are practical steps, not legal requirements:

1. Get it in writing. A written contract should describe the work, materials, price, payment schedule, and warranty, and it should name the company and its address.
2. Ask for proof of insurance and confirm it with the insurance company named on the certificate.
3. Check for a permit if your city requires one, and ask who will pull it.
4. Don't pay the full price up front. Our contractor scam guide lists the warning signs TDI points to after storms.
5. Compare more than one written quote before you sign.

Questions about an insurance claim? Call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439.

This article is general information, not legal advice.

Bottom line

Texas has no state roofing license, so "licensed" in a roofer's ad needs a follow-up question. Rely on a written contract, proof of insurance, any local permit, and the state laws that do apply, such as the ban on deductible waivers.

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