How to Check a Local Roofing Contractor's Licenses and Insurance in Wisconsin
Knowing what to check before signing a roofing contract can protect you from serious financial and legal headaches. When hiring a local roofing contractor in Janesville, WI, understanding Wisconsin's credentialing, insurance, and documentation requirements is one of the smartest steps a homeowner can take. Rock County sees its share of severe hailstorms, heavy spring rains, and punishing winters, and the last thing you want after storm damage is an uninsured crew on your roof. This guide walks through each verification step so you hire with confidence.
What Wisconsin Requires from a Roofing Contractor
Wisconsin does not issue a dedicated roofing trade license. Roofing contractors must obtain a Dwelling Contractor (DC) certification through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to legally perform residential roofing work. The DSPS also issues a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier (DCQ) certification for the qualifying individual. That person must complete a 12-hour approved dwelling-construction course and 12 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.

The requirement applies to whoever pulls the building permit, not simply to whoever performs the roofing work. A local roofing contractor pulling a permit on a one- or two-family dwelling must hold the DC certification and hold or employ a Qualifier. For Janesville homeowners, this matters because Rock County building departments require permits for most full roof replacements. Check with your local authority for specific permitting requirements before work begins.
How to Look Up a Contractor's Wisconsin Certification
The DSPS maintains a public credential database at the DSPS eSLA Public Look-Up portal (dsps.wi.gov). Search by business name, individual name, or credential number. If a local roofing contractor provides a Wisconsin license number, enter it directly for the fastest result.

Look for three things: the credential is active, unexpired, and free of disciplinary actions. An expired or lapsed credential is a red flag regardless of how long the company has been in business.
What a Valid Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Number Looks Like
Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor numbers follow the format DC-XXXXXXXXX. Ask any local roofing contractor you are considering to provide their full DC number before signing anything. Reputable companies display this number openly, and the DSPS lookup takes less than a minute to confirm.
Verifying Liability Insurance
Liability insurance protects your property if a contractor's work causes damage. To obtain a DC credential in Wisconsin, contractors must show proof of liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence, or a surety bond of at least $25,000.

Never rely on a verbal assurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming you as the certificate holder. A COI shows the insurer's name, policy number, coverage amounts, and expiration date. If the policy expires before your project ends, ask for proof of renewal before work starts.
Understanding Workers' Compensation Insurance
Workers' compensation is separate from liability insurance and just as important. Wisconsin dwelling contractors must provide workers' compensation insurance to their employees. If a roofer is injured on your property and the company carries none, you could face a lawsuit even though you did not cause the injury.

Ask specifically for a workers' compensation COI. These are two distinct documents. A contractor who hesitates to provide both should be crossed off your list.
Asking for Certificates of Insurance the Right Way
Request COIs before any crew member steps on your property. Follow this checklist:
â–¸ Ask for a general liability COI confirming the policy is current and lists adequate limits.
â–¸ Ask for a separate workers' compensation COI covering all employees on your project.
â–¸ Request that your name and address appear on both COIs as the certificate holder.
â–¸ Confirm both policies remain active through your project's expected completion date.
â–¸ Call the insurer directly to verify the policy is in force if you want extra assurance.

Janesville homeowners dealing with storm damage claims should also confirm the local roofing contractor carries any required inland marine or tools and equipment coverage, since large hail events can bring in out-of-area crews who may carry different policy types.
Red Flags to Watch for in Janesville, WI
Wisconsin's storm seasons bring door-to-door solicitors after every major hail event, and the Janesville area is no exception. A contractor who says no permit is needed without first checking with the City of Janesville's building department may be cutting corners elsewhere. Some Wisconsin municipalities exempt like-for-like shingle replacement, while others require permits for all roofing work regardless of scope.
Other red flags include requests for large cash deposits before materials are ordered, pressure to sign immediately, and an inability to provide a written estimate or COIs within 24 hours. Any legitimate
residential roofing contractor operating in Wisconsin will have these documents readily available.
Put Your Verification into Practice
Checking credentials takes about 15 minutes and can prevent months of legal and repair headaches. Run the DSPS lookup, review both COIs, confirm the policy dates, and call the City of Janesville's building inspection office if you have questions about local permit requirements.
When you are ready to hire a contractor who meets every standard in this guide,
Riverland Exteriors serving Janesville, WI, is fully credentialed and happy to provide documentation up front. Riverland Exteriors Corporation holds Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor License DC-081900801, carries the required insurance, and has earned GAF Master Elite certification. Call
800-374-1324 to request your free estimate, or connect with the team through
Riverland Exteriors on Google Maps.
