In Texas, no statewide roofing license is required. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) “does NOT currently administer licensure for roofing contractors. Anyone can call themselves a roofer in Texas”. In practice, this means you can legally perform roofing work without a state-issued license.
However, that doesn’t mean there are no rules. Many Texas cities, including San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, require contractors to register locally, pull permits, or meet specific insurance and documentation requirements.
Because roofing is a high-risk trade, many professionals choose to earn the voluntary RCAT Roofing Contractor License, offered by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. While not legally required, RCAT certification helps prove your business is legitimate, experienced, insured, and knowledgeable, making it a powerful trust signal for customers.
This guide walks you through Texas roofing requirements, RCAT certification steps, local registrations, costs, and everything you need to start roofing legally and confidently.
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Do You Need a Roofing License in Texas?
State license not required: Texas does not issue a roofing license at the state level. Roofers are not subject to a state exam or license, unlike some states.
Local requirements vary: Many Texas cities do have contractor registration for roofers. For example:
- Dallas: Requires contractors (including roofers) to register as a general contractor and pay an annual registration fee (about $120).
- Austin: Requires all building and trade contractors to register in the city’s contractor portal before beginning work on permits.
- San Antonio: Requires a Home Improvement Contractor registration for roofing work, including an FBI background check, proof of insurance, and a $150 fee.
(Other cities have similar rules – always check with your local building department. City requirements differ, are not universal, and change regularly.)
Disclaimer: The fees mentioned are based on recent public documentation and are subject to change.
Voluntary certification (RCAT): Because there’s no state license, many reputable roofers pursue RCAT (Roofing Contractors Association of Texas) certification. The RCAT program is a voluntary “licensed roofing contractor” program that requires experience, insurance, and passing exams. Holding an RCAT license (residential, commercial, or both) demonstrates to customers that you’ve met higher standards for knowledge and insurance. In Texas’s unregulated market, an RCAT license sets your business apart as qualified and insured.
Types of Roofing Credential Options in Texas
City or County Roofing Registrations (Examples)
Dallas (City): Roofers must register as contractors with Dallas Building Inspection. Registration is annual (~$120 fee) and allows you to pull permits.
San Antonio (City): Roofers doing home-improvement work must register as Home Improvement Contractors. The process requires an FBI criminal background check and proof of liability insurance (at least $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate). The initial/renewal fee is $150 (valid for 2 years).
Austin (City): All general and trade contractors (including roofers) must register through the city’s Build + Connect portal before starting any permitted construction. There is no separate state license, but Austin enforces registration for permits.
Fort Worth (City): Requires contractor registration for building work. A residential building contractor must register annually ($500 fee) and show liability insurance naming the city.
(Note: These are examples. Other cities/counties may have their own registration or permitting requirements for roofers.)
Voluntary RCAT License (Roofing Contractors Association of Texas)
The RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor Program is a voluntary statewide certification for roofers. To qualify, a principal of the roofing company must have at least 2 years of experience in Texas and a fixed business address.
- Insurance/Bonding: Residential applicants must have at least $300,000 general liability insurance (or post a $100,000 surety bond); commercial applicants need $500,000 insurance (or $100k bond). Workers’ compensation coverage is required or you must file the state’s “No Coverage” form.
- Exams: Applicants must pass a business/safety exam and a roofing exam (residential and/or commercial) with ≥70%. RCAT exam fees are about $550 for members (non-members $850) per license type. Both roofing exams are open-book and based on the NRCA Roofing Manual – 2020. RCAT provides full exam rules and details in its official Examination Information & Rules documentation.
Quick Note: RCAT licenses must be renewed every year
- Renewal fee: $250
- Continuing Education: 8 hours annually (required)
An RCAT license signals professionalism. Many Texas roofers get RCAT certification to prove they are vetted, trained, and insured. Homeowners often prefer RCAT-licensed contractors as a trust indicator.
Business License and Registration (General)
- Texas does not require a special “roofing” business license at the state level, but you must register your business legally. This usually means filing with the Texas Secretary of State if you form an LLC or corporation. (The certificate of formation fee for a Texas LLC is $300.)
- If you operate under a trade name (DBA), file an Assumed Name Certificate with the state (fee $25). You may also need a sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller if you sell materials.
- Some cities/counties charge a general business license or tax. Check your local regulations. For most roofing contractors, the key steps are forming the business entity (e.g., LLC) and obtaining any required city contractor registration.
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Texas Roofing Contractor Requirements (Checklist)
- Business Registration: Form your business (LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship). File a Certificate of Formation ($300) if doing an LLC or corporation. File any trade name (“DBA”) certificates ($25) if using a fictitious name.
- Insurance: Obtain general liability insurance. Many Texas laws and local rules require it (for example, San Antonio mandates at least $300k per occurrence/$600k aggregate; RCAT requires $300k–$500k). Adequate insurance protects you from costly claims and is expected by customers and cities.
- Workers’ Compensation: Texas does not mandate workers’ comp for most private employers, but if you opt out you must file the state’s DWC Form-005 notice of no coverage. If you have employees or high-risk subcontractors, carrying workers’ comp is strongly advisable to cover injuries.
- Bonding: While not universally required, some certifications allow a surety bond in place of insurance. RCAT, for instance, lets you substitute a $100,000 bond for the insurance requirement. Certain city contracts (e.g., public works) may require bonds.
- Local Permits/Registrations: Obtain any city or county licenses before performing work. Examples: Dallas general contractor registration, San Antonio Home Improvement license, Austin BTCS registration. Always pull building permits for roofing jobs as required by code.
- No State Exam or Criminal Check: Since Texas has no state license, there is no statewide exam or background check for roofers. (Note: some city programs like San Antonio’s do require a criminal background check.) The only “testing” required is if you pursue RCAT’s voluntary license, which involves passing exams.
How to Get an RCAT Roofing License in Texas (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) application process works:
1. Meet the experience requirement
You must be a principal (owner, partner, or senior manager) of a Texas-based roofing company for at least two consecutive years before applying.
2. Complete the RCAT application form
Fill out the official application and have it notarized. Incomplete or non-notarized applications are automatically rejected.
3. Submit required documents
Include the following with your application:
- A photocopy of your Texas driver’s license
- Proof of general liability insurance
- Proof of workers’ compensation insurance, or a signed DWC Form 005
- Full payment of the RCAT application fee
Mail the complete packet to the RCAT address listed on the form.
4. Wait for committee review
The RCAT Licensing Committee will review your application, verify eligibility, and contact you if further documentation is needed.
5. Take the required RCAT exams
Once approved, RCAT will email exam instructions. You must pass the following tests:
- Business & safety exam
- Residential roofing exam and/or commercial roofing exam (depending on your classification)
You must score 70% or higher on each exam.
6. Receive your RCAT roofing license
After passing the tests and final approval, RCAT will issue your license, granting you a voluntary but highly respected professional roofing credential in Texas.
Does Texas Have Reciprocity?
Because Texas does not have a state-issued roofing license, there are no statewide reciprocity agreements with other states. Also, RCAT certification is not recognized as a roofing license in any other state. However, the knowledge and documentation required for RCAT may help contractors prepare for licensing processes elsewhere.
How to Start a Roofing Business in Texas (Step-by-Step)
Choose a Business Structure. Decide on LLC, S-corp, sole proprietor, etc. An LLC is common for liability protection. Filing a Texas LLC online typically processes in 10–15 business days (faster if expedited).
Register Your Business. File your LLC or corporation with the Texas Secretary of State (fee $300). If using a trade name (DBA), file an Assumed Name Certificate ($25). Obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.
Register with Local Authorities. Depending on your location, you may need contractor or business licenses. For example, complete the City of Dallas contractor registration form (fee ~$120), or sign up on Austin’s BTCS portal. Check your city’s development or permit department for the exact process and fees.
While not state-mandated, it is recommended to get Insurance (and Bond if needed) as it’s often required by clients, particularly for commercial projects. Before starting jobs, secure general liability insurance (and workers’ comp if you have employees). Shopping around, a $1M/$2M general liability policy typically costs a few thousand dollars per year. If any local licenses require bonding, secure a surety bond as needed.
(Optional) Apply for RCAT Certification. Contractors who want a recognized credential can apply through the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. See the detailed step-by-step RCAT licensing guide above for application requirements and exams. Displaying an RCAT license can help market your credibility.
Set Up Operations and Tools. Open a business bank account, get a business phone number, and set up bookkeeping. Invest in tools like estimating software, scheduling apps, and reliable vehicles/equipment. For example, using a field-service software like Arrivy can help optimize job scheduling, track crews, and keep customers updated. Organize contracts, invoices, and safety training so you’re ready for customers.
Cost Breakdown for Roofing Contractors in Texas
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Texas LLC formation (SOS filing fee) | $300 (one-time) |
| Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) | $25 (one-time, per name) |
| General Liability Insurance (~$1M policy) | ~$2,000–$3,000 per year |
| Workers’ Comp Insurance (optional) | Varies (based on payroll; e.g., ~$0.40 per $100 payroll) |
| Dallas Contractor Registration | ~$120 per year |
| San Antonio Home Improvement License | $150 (covers 2 years) |
| Fort Worth Contractor Registration | $500 per year |
| Voluntary RCAT License exam fee | $550 (RCAT member); $850 (non-member) |
| Surety Bond (if chosen) | $100,000 bond (~$500–$1,000 premium/year)* |
| RCAT license renewal fee | $250 (annual) |
*Bond premiums vary by credit and surety company. Insurance premiums can vary widely; the figures above are illustrative averages for a small roofing firm.
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How Long Does It Take to Start Roofing Legally in Texas?
Because Texas does not require a state roofing license, most contractors can get started fairly quickly, as long as they meet local city/county requirements and carry proper insurance.
Here’s what the typical timeline looks like (Without RCAT):
- Forming an LLC: 5–15 business days
- Getting insurance bound: 1–3 days
- City/county contractor registration (if required): Same day to 5 days
- Setting up operations (bank, EIN, forms, tools): 1–7 days
Total time to start roofing legally in Texas: ~1–3 weeks.
(Assuming paperwork is complete and your local jurisdiction doesn’t have special delays.)
How Long Does the RCAT License Take? (Voluntary Certification)
If you choose to pursue the RCAT Roofing Contractor License, which many contractors do for credibility, the process takes longer because RCAT verifies experience and requires exams.
Typical RCAT licensing timeline:
- Meeting the experience requirement (2 years as a principal): Already met by the time you apply
- Completing and notarizing the application: 1–3 days
- RCAT committee review: 2–4 weeks
- Receiving exam instructions and scheduling: 1–2 weeks
- Taking and passing both exams: 1–4 weeks (depending on prep time)
- Final approval & issuing certification: 1 week
Total time to get RCAT certified: ~4–8 weeks.
Common Mistakes Texas Roofers Make When Starting Out
Skipping Insurance
Some new contractors underestimate insurance needs. Not carrying liability insurance is a costly mistake – it’s often required by cities and by clients, and without it a single claim could ruin your business.
Ignoring Local Rules
Failing to register with the city or pull the proper permits can lead to fines, stop-work orders, or unhappy customers. Always check your local building department’s requirements before starting work.
Not Registering the Business Properly
Operating without a formal business entity can expose you to personal liability. File your LLC/DBA and register for tax accounts from day one.
Failing to Use Written Contracts or Pull Permits
Even though Texas doesn’t license roofers statewide, using detailed contracts and official building permits is critical. Never skip permits for major roof replacements. Municipalities often require them to ensure work meets code.
Ignoring Software Tools
Some contractors try to manage everything on pen and paper. Using scheduling/management software (like Arrivy) and digital measurement tools can prevent errors and save time.
After You’re Set Up, What’s Next?
Once you’ve launched your legal, insured roofing business, focus shifts to staying compliant and building a reputation. Always renew your registrations and insurance on time and stay current with any code changes in your city. Provide excellent workmanship and customer service to earn referrals and positive reviews.
Use tools to optimize operations. For example, a field service software like Arrivy can help you schedule jobs, dispatch crews, and track project progress – all from one dashboard, while your crews can access their schedules and log progress through the mobile app. Over time, join local business groups or trade associations (like RCAT) to network. As you grow, consider marketing strategies (online reviews, local ads, shingle manufacturer certifications) to build trust with homeowners.
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Frequently Asked Question
No, Texas does not require a state-level roofing contractor license. You can legally work as a roofer without a state license. However, you must comply with local rules. Many cities require roofers to register or hold local permits.
Several major cities require registration for roofers or general contractors. For example, San Antonio requires a Home Improvement Contractor registration (FBI check and insurance), Austin requires contractors to register in its Build+Connect system, and Dallas requires contractor registration with a fee. Other cities have similar contractor registration requirements. Always check with your city’s building department before working. City requirements differ, are not universal, and change regularly.
RCAT is the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, a trade association that offers a voluntary roofing contractor license. It is not required by law, but it requires passing exams and carrying insurance. An RCAT license signals that a roofer is trained and insured. Many Texas contractors pursue it to stand out, but it is optional.
Costs include business formation (~$300 to form an LLC), insurance (~$2,000–$3,000 per year for a $1M liability policy), and local registration fees (e.g., Dallas $120/yr, San Antonio $150 every 2 years, Fort Worth $500/yr). Optional RCAT exam fees are $550 (member rate) each. In total, expect a few thousand dollars to get set up legally, then ongoing costs for insurance and renewals.
While Texas law doesn’t mandate insurance for sole proprietors, carrying liability insurance is critical. Most cities require proof of insurance for contractor registration (e.g., San Antonio requires at least $300k/$600k liability). Insurance protects your business from lawsuits due to accidents or damage. Without it, one costly claim could bankrupt your company. In practice, insurance is non-negotiable for reputable roofers.
Yes, a roofing contractor can hire subcontractors for specific tasks. However, you remain responsible for the project. Make sure your subcontractors are properly insured and, if required, registered. In some city programs (like San Antonio’s), you may need to add authorized delegates under your license if they pull permits for you. Always use written subcontracts and ensure compliance with any local requirements.
Because Texas has no state licensing exam, setup can be quite fast. Forming an LLC online takes about 10–15 business days. If you prepare your documents beforehand (business formation, insurance, local registration), you can often start taking roofing jobs within 1–3 weeks of beginning the process. Expedited options (like priority filing for LLCs) can speed this up if needed.