Does a new roof contractor need a license in Georgia?
Short answer. Georgia does not issue a roofing license, and a business that only does roofing generally does not need the state's residential or general contractor license. That makes your own checks more important: ask for a local business license, proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance, and confirm the permit will be pulled in the company's name.
What the state does license
The State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, under the Georgia Secretary of State, licenses residential and general contractors. A roofing company that also builds additions or does broad remodeling may hold one of those licenses, and you can look it up on the Secretary of State's license search. A company that sticks to roofing usually will not show up there, and that alone is not a red flag.
What to ask for instead
- Local business license or occupation tax certificate from the city or county where the company is based.
- Certificate of liability insurance sent to you directly by the insurance agent, not a photo of an old card.
- Workers' compensation. Georgia generally requires it for employers with three or more employees. Without it, an injured worker on your roof can become your problem.
- Permit in the company's name. Many Georgia cities and counties require a permit for a reroof; see roofing permits in Georgia.
- Manufacturer certification, which requires the company to meet the manufacturer's standards and lets it offer enhanced warranties.
Red flags
Out of state plates after a storm, no physical address, a demand for a large cash deposit, or an offer to cover your deductible. Rebating or waiving a deductible is illegal for contractors in Georgia, and an honest roofer will say so. Our checklist on choosing a roofing contractor in Georgia walks through the rest.