Iowa roofing license
Iowa roofers earning $2,000 or more a year from construction must register with DIAL; it is a registration, not a license. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Check a license on the DIAL website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use the Check a contractor license link on DIAL's contractor page. Registration shows tax and insurance compliance, not skill. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Checked against official Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing sources. See sources.
1. Who needs a license
$2,000 or more for a job (labor and materials) means a license is needed. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Individuals and businesses earning $2,000 or more a year from construction must register with DIAL. Subcontractors register separately. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
- Exempt: under $2,000 a year, or work only on your own property. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
- Check with the city or county about local requirements for each project. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
2. Roofing license classes
| Class | Name | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Contractor registration | Covers carpenters, roofers, painters and other construction work (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab)) |
3. Fees, exam, bond and insurance
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contractor registration Renews every year. | $50 (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab)) |
Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.
Experience and steps
- Get an unemployment insurance number Get an Iowa unemployment insurance number, even with no employees. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
- Apply online Apply on the DIAL online portal and pay $50. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Exam
We're still verifying this, check the official board: DIAL website (opens in a new tab).
Bond
No bond is required. Contractors whose principal place of business is outside Iowa must file a $25,000 bond, with few exceptions. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Insurance
- Workers' comp: Certificate required if you have employees (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
- General liability: Not set by DIAL (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Renewal
- Renew every 1 year. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
Contractor registrations renew every year. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
4. How to look up a contractor
Check a license on the DIAL website (official site, opens in a new tab)
How: Use the Check a contractor license link on DIAL's contractor page. Registration shows tax and insurance compliance, not skill. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
5. Reciprocity (license transfer)
We're still verifying this, check the official board: DIAL website (opens in a new tab).
6. Red flags when hiring
- An out-of-state contractor without an Iowa registration. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
- Plumbing or HVAC work by someone without a Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board license. (source: DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab))
7. How to complain
We're still verifying this, check the official board: DIAL website (opens in a new tab).
8. Sources and last verified
Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages. How we verify.
- DIAL: Contractor Registration (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Spot something out of date? Email [email protected].