How to Check a Roofer’s License in NJ (and 10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire)

Short answer: New Jersey doesn’t have a separate roofing license. Roofers who work on homes must be registered as Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Registration numbers start with 13VH. You can check a roofer’s registration, and any complaints against them, at NJConsumerAffairs.gov or by calling 800-242-5846. Then ask for proof of liability insurance and get everything in a written contract.

A roof is one of the most expensive things you’ll buy for your home, and storm season brings out door-to-door crews with no local address. Ten minutes of checking can save you a lot of trouble.

How do I look up a contractor’s registration in NJ?

1. Ask for the registration number. It must appear on the contract, and registered contractors include it on their ads, website and trucks. Ours is 13VH10432600.
2. Look it up on the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website using the license verification search, or call 800-242-5846.
3. Check that the name matches the company on your estimate and contract, and that the registration is active.
4. Check for complaints or legal action. The Division also lets you check for consumer complaints against a contractor.

Registration applies to roofing and siding work on homes, along with windows, decks, kitchens and other home improvements. It isn’t an exam-based trade license, so registration alone doesn’t prove skill. That’s why the questions below matter.

What must a roofing contract include in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law, home improvement contracts for $500 or more must be in writing. According to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, the contract must include:

• The contractor’s legal name, business address and registration number
• The start date and completion date
• A description of the work
• The total price
• The Division of Consumer Affairs’ toll-free number

The Division also recommends that the contract name the brands or quality grades of the materials, and that every warranty and guarantee is in writing.

Can I cancel a roofing contract in NJ?

Yes. You can cancel a home improvement contract for any reason before midnight of the third day after you receive a copy of it. Send the cancellation to the contractor in writing. Any money you paid must be returned within 30 days.

10 questions to ask a roofer before you hire

Ask this	A good answer sounds like
1. What is your NJ registration number?	A 13VH number they give you right away, that matches their company name
2. Can I see your liability insurance certificate?	Yes, and you can call the insurer to confirm it’s active
3. Will everything be in a written contract?	Yes, with dates, scope, materials and the total price
4. Who pulls the permit, if one is needed?	“We do,” with a clear answer on whether your job needs one
5. How many layers are coming off?	A full tear-off, so the deck can be checked
6. What do you charge per sheet if the deck is rotted?	A per-sheet price written into the contract
7. What underlayment and ice barrier do you use?	Named products, and how far up from the edge the ice barrier goes
8. What warranties do I get?	The manufacturer’s warranty plus a written workmanship warranty
9. What’s the payment schedule?	A reasonable deposit, not the full price upfront
10. How do you protect my property and clean up?	Tarps, daily cleanup and a magnetic sweep for nails

The Division of Consumer Affairs notes that paying the full cost in advance is not customary, and recommends asking for references and talking to them. If you’re still comparing prices, our guide to roof replacement costs in NJ shows what should be in each quote.

Red flags to watch for after a storm

• A crew knocks on your door offering a “free roof” paid by insurance
• No registration number, or one that doesn’t match the company name
• Pressure to sign today, or a request for full payment before work starts
• No local address, only a cell phone number
• A price on a napkin instead of a written contract

If you’re dealing with storm damage, read how homeowners insurance covers roof damage in NJ before signing anything.

Frequently asked questions

Do roofers need a license in New Jersey?

There’s no separate state roofing license, but roofers doing home improvement work must be registered as Home Improvement Contractors with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

What does a 13VH number mean?

It’s the format of a New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration number. You can look it up on the Division of Consumer Affairs website.

Who do I complain to about a contractor in NJ?

The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs handles home improvement complaints. Call 800-242-5846 or file online at NJConsumerAffairs.gov.

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Sources: NJ Office of the Attorney General / Division of Consumer Affairs, consumer tips for hiring home improvement contractors; NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, Home Improvement Contractors program.