Hiring a Roofer

Tennessee Roofing Contractor Licenses: What Homeowners Should Check

Updated October 2026 · 7 min read · By the Knoxville Roofing Quotes team

Tennessee doesn't have one simple "roofing license" that covers every job. Whether your roofer needs a state license depends on the price of the job and, for mid-size residential work, on which county you live in. This guide lays out the two licenses that matter for East Tennessee homeowners, which of our 11 counties fall under each rule, and how to check a roofer's license, insurance and payment terms before you sign anything.

License 1: the state contractor's license ($25,000 and up)

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors requires a contractor's license before anyone bids on, offers to do, or negotiates the price of a project worth $25,000 or more as a prime contractor (the company that contracts directly with you). Roofing is one of the trades singled out for subcontractors too: a roofing sub hired by a general contractor needs its own license when its part of the job reaches $25,000.

A few details are useful to know when you're comparing companies:

• Classification: the Board's roofing classification is BC-21, described as "Roofing over $25K, including gutters and vinyl siding." The Board also says any BC building classification covers all of its building sub-categories, so a company with a general building license may also be licensed for roofing.
• Exam: every new contractor applicant has to pass Tennessee's Business and Law exam.
• Monetary limit: each license carries a per-project dollar limit, calculated as 10 times the lesser of the company's working capital or net worth. Projects can't be split into phases to get under it. Since July 1, 2026, contractors can back that limit with a surety bond of at least half the limit instead of a CPA-reviewed financial statement.
• Insurance: applicants must carry general liability insurance (the required amount depends on the monetary limit) and workers' compensation unless they prove an exemption.

A full replacement on a large or complex house can cross $25,000, especially with metal. Compare your quote to the price ranges in our Knoxville roof cost guide to see which side of the line you're likely on.

License 2: the Home Improvement license ($3,000 to $24,999)

Tennessee's Home Improvement license covers residential remodeling jobs from $3,000 to $24,999, and roofing is named in the work it covers. The catch is that it only applies in counties that adopted the law: Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Haywood, Knox, Marion, Robertson, Rutherford and Shelby.

To hold this license, a contractor has to post a $10,000 surety bond (or an approved cash or property bond or letter of credit) and carry both general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

Which East Tennessee counties does it cover?

For jobs under $25,000 outside the Home Improvement counties, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) tells consumers to check with their local building codes office about whether a state or local license and permits are needed. That also applies to permits anywhere: ask each roofer who will pull any required permit for your address. See our Knox County and Blount County pages for local roofing information.

How to verify a roofer's license

1. Go to verify.tn.gov. It forwards to the state's public license search.
2. Search the exact business name from the quote, and try the owner's name if nothing comes up.
3. Match the details. The licensed name should match the company on your contract, including "LLC" or "Inc." A license held by a different business doesn't cover the one you're hiring.
4. Check that the license fits the job. For a $25,000-plus project, ask the roofer for their license number, classification and monetary limit, and confirm the limit is at least your contract price.
5. Ask about complaints. The Board for Licensing Contractors can tell you about complaint and disciplinary history at 1-800-544-7693 or (615) 741-8307.

Insurance: what to ask for

Both state licenses require general liability and workers' compensation insurance, though contractor-license holders can show proof of a workers' comp exemption instead. Ask each roofer for a certificate of insurance sent straight from their insurance agent, and check that the policy dates cover your project. TDCI also suggests asking for proof of licenses, permits, insurance and bonding, plus at least three references.

Deposits and payment: the one-third rule

TDCI states that for home improvement projects, state law limits deposits to no more than one-third of the contract price. On a $15,000 roof, that means a deposit of $5,000 at most. TDCI's other payment advice:

• Don't pay in cash.
• Don't pay the full amount before the work is done.
• If the contractor says they need money for materials, go with them and pay the supplier directly.

TDCI also notes that under Tennessee's felony theft law, a contractor who takes money and doesn't perform the work within 90 days may face charges.

If insurance is paying for your roof, Tennessee gives you additional rights on the contract itself. Our roof insurance claims page explains them. And when you have quotes in hand, our quote comparison worksheet helps you line them up item by item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: contractor license requirements ($25,000 threshold, monetary limit, surety bond option, insurance, local business tax license)
• Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors: classification outline (BC-21 roofing)
• TDCI: Home Improvement license (counties, $3,000 - $24,999, bond and insurance)
• TDCI: Board for Licensing Contractors (license verification)
• Board for Licensing Contractors: contractor license application (Board phone numbers)
• TDCI: insurance and contractor safety tips after Winter Storm Fern (January 2026) (one-third deposit limit, payment and hiring tips)
• TDCI: consumer tips to avoid fly-by-night contractors (October 2024) (local codes office, 90-day felony theft provision)