Roofer Licensing in Mississippi
Mississippi Roofer License Verification
To legally perform roofing work in Mississippi in 2026, contractors must obtain the appropriate licensure from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), the primary governing body for contractors in the state. A state license is mandatory for residential roofing projects exceeding $10,000 in value, and for commercial projects where the contract value is over $50,000. For residential work, specific classifications include "Residential Roofing," "Residential Remodeling," or "Residential Building" depending on the scope. Commercial contractors may apply for a major classification such as "building" or a specialty classification like "roofing, sheet metal, and siding".
The licensing process involves completing a detailed application, which must be notarized, and submitting it to the MSBOC along with supporting documentation. Required documents include proof of employment for a qualifying party, three reference letters (one from a financial institution), and a reviewed or audited financial statement for commercial applicants. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State if operating as a corporation or LLC, and provide a Mississippi sales tax number (commercial) or a Mississippi income tax ID/Federal Tax ID/Social Security Number (residential). All applicants are required to pass the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam, and a specific trade exam for their classification. The application fee is $400 for commercial licenses and $50 for residential licenses. Starting in 2026, annual license renewal notices will be sent exclusively via email.
Insurance and Bonding Mandates
All licensed roofers in Mississippi are required to carry general liability insurance. Commercial applicants must provide proof of coverage with a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. While no specific minimum is set by the state board for residential general liability insurance, proof of coverage is mandatory, and the MSBOC must be listed as a certificate holder to receive notification of policy cancellation. Workers' compensation insurance is also required for any roofing business employing five or more individuals.
Regarding bonding, Mississippi does not have a statewide contractor license bond requirement; instead, these are typically mandated at the local city or county level based on their specific needs. However, contractors undertaking projects over $75,000 must either prepay taxes or file a job-specific or blanket tax bond with the Mississippi Department of Revenue to guarantee payment of the 3.5% contractor's tax on non-residential construction activities exceeding $10,000. For public works contracts with counties, cities, or other public authorities exceeding $75,000, or state contracts exceeding $5,000, general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage is required, along with performance and payment bonds.
Permitting and Local Regulations
Beyond state-level licensing, roofers must adhere to local regulations and obtain necessary permits from the relevant municipal or county building departments before commencing work. These permits ensure that roofing projects, including replacements or major repairs, comply with local zoning ordinances, building codes (such as the Mississippi Residential Code, Chapter Nine: Roof Assemblies), and safety standards. Failure to secure the appropriate local permits can lead to significant penalties and project delays. It is crucial for roofers to consult with the local authority having jurisdiction for each project to understand specific requirements, as these can vary significantly by location.
Official Mississippi Resources
For further information and to access official forms and guidelines, roofers should refer to the following Mississippi state agencies:
Validation Disclaimer
Regulations can change. We recommend contacting the Mississippi licensing board directly before performing any work. Unlicensed contracting may carry significant legal penalties in this jurisdiction.