How to Check If a Roofer Is Licensed in Texas

Updated: October 2026

Texas issues no state roofing license, so no state lookup exists. Verify seven things instead: Texas City registration via the MyGov portal, active liability and workers’ comp insurance confirmed with the insurer, an itemized written estimate, a written workmanship warranty, local reviews and references, manufacturer certification checked on the GAF or Owens Corning locator, and voluntary RCAT certification.

Why is there no Texas roofing license to check?

Texas is one of the states that never created a statewide roofing license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not list roofing among its regulated trades. Anyone can print “roofer” on a truck in Texas without passing a state exam or holding a state credential.

Cities fill the gap. Most Texas cities require contractors to register locally and pull permits before roofing work begins. The real question is not “are you licensed by the state” but “are you registered with my city and properly insured.”

A trade group offers a voluntary standard. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) certifies residential and commercial roofers who meet its requirements. It is not a government license. Requirements include an established Texas roofing company, $300,000 in general liability insurance or a $100,000 surety bond, workers’ compensation coverage, and exam scores of 70 percent or better. Published guides list the experience requirement as two to three years, so confirm the current figure with RCAT.

What should “licensed and insured” mean in Texas?

When a Texas roofer says “licensed and insured,” ask what each word refers to. “Licensed” usually means registered with the city where the work happens, or holding a voluntary certification like RCAT. “Insured” should mean current general liability insurance plus workers’ compensation for the crew.

Both claims are easy to check, and both are worth checking. An uninsured crew on your roof can leave you exposed if a worker is hurt or a neighbor’s property is damaged. A roofer who cannot name the city where they are registered is telling you something.

How do you verify a roofer’s insurance is real?

Ask for a certificate of insurance before you sign anything. Then call the insurance company named on it and confirm the policy is active. Policies lapse. A certificate printed last year proves nothing about this month.

Confirm two coverages. General liability covers damage to your property. Workers’ compensation covers injuries to the crew. If the contractor uses subcontractors, ask whether those workers are covered too.

How do you check registration with the City of Texas City?

Texas City requires all contractors to register through the city’s MyGov portal before they can appear on a permit. Registration asks for identification and a certificate of liability insurance naming the City of Texas City as the certificate holder. Ask the roofer about their registration status, and confirm it with the city’s building department if you want certainty.

This check matters beyond paperwork. A registered local contractor has a verifiable address and a record with the city. Storm chasers passing through after a hurricane rarely bother with any of that, which is exactly why the check works.

What do GAF and Owens Corning certifications prove?

Shingle manufacturers run their own contractor programs, and the top tiers carry real meaning. GAF’s Master Elite status is held by roughly 2 percent of roofing contractors in North America, according to GAF-published figures. Owens Corning’s Platinum Preferred tier is invitation only.

The practical value is the warranty. These top tiers let a contractor offer manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage, such as GAF’s Golden Pledge with up to 25 years of workmanship protection. That coverage can survive even if the contractor goes out of business. On the Gulf Coast, where out-of-area crews come and go after storms, that detail matters.

Both manufacturers run free public locators. Search the company name on the GAF or Owens Corning website and confirm the certification is current. If a contractor claims Master Elite status but does not appear in the search, ask why before you sign.

What belongs in the written estimate and warranty?

Get everything in writing before work starts. A legitimate estimate itemizes the scope of work, the materials and brands being installed, the areas of the roof involved, the timeline, the payment schedule, and cleanup. A single number on a business card is not an estimate. Our roof leak repair cost guide shows what drives pricing so you can compare bids with confidence.

Keep the two warranties separate. The manufacturer covers materials. The contractor covers workmanship, which means the quality of the installation itself. Get the workmanship warranty in writing, with its length and claim process spelled out.

Which red flags should stop you from signing?

Walk away from door-to-door pressure right after a storm and from demands for full payment before work begins. Walk away from anyone who offers to waive or absorb your insurance deductible. That last one is illegal in Texas.

Be cautious of bids far below the rest. A price that undercuts every competitor usually means thinner materials, skipped steps, or no insurance behind the work. Our guide to roofing scams and red flags in Texas City covers these patterns in detail, and our checklist for choosing an independent roofing provider walks through the full vetting process.

If you want a second set of eyes before you hire, call (409) 290-5353. We connect Texas City and Galveston County homeowners with independent local roofing providers, and we can talk through what a fair written estimate should include for your leak.

Frequently asked questions

Can a roofer legally work in Texas without a license?
Yes. Texas has no state roofing license, so a roofer can work legally without one. What matters is city registration, current insurance, and a written contract. Texas City requires contractors to register through the city’s MyGov portal before pulling permits. Always verify those instead of assuming a license exists.

How can I tell if a roofer’s insurance certificate is real?
Ask for the certificate of insurance, then call the insurance company named on it and confirm the policy is active today. Check for both general liability and workers’ compensation. A certificate alone is not proof. Policies lapse, and only the insurer can confirm current coverage.

Does Texas City require roofers to register with the city?
Yes. The City of Texas City requires all contractors to register through its MyGov portal, with identification and a certificate of liability insurance naming the city as certificate holder. A roofer must be registered to appear on a permit, so ask for proof of registration before work begins.

What is RCAT certification?
The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a voluntary certification for residential and commercial roofers. It requires an established Texas company, $300,000 in liability coverage or a $100,000 bond, workers’ compensation, and passing exam scores. It is a quality signal from a trade group, not a government license.