Kansas contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

Roofing Contractor Registration Certificate

Any person, including subcontractors and nonresident contractors, who sells commercial or residential roofing services or offers to do roofing work such as installation, repair or waterproofing.

• When it applies: Exempt if roofing work totals less than $2,000 per undertaking or project in a fiscal year, counting labor, materials and all other items. The exemption does not apply to anyone who advertises or uses signs suggesting they are a roofing contractor.
• Good to know: A general contractor is exempt if roofing is part of a broader project and is no more than 50% of total project cost and it does no door-to-door sales, or if it subcontracts all roofing to a registered roofing contractor and keeps a copy of the sub's registration on site. Owners working on their own property are exempt.

No state general contractor or home improvement license

General contractors, remodelers, painters, flooring and siding contractors are not licensed by the state. Check the city or county where the work is done.

• Good to know: State law (K.S.A. 12-1540) defines general, building and residential contractor categories used by local licensing programs.

What you need to qualify

• Experience: The roofing application must include a statement of the applicant's roofing experience and qualifications, if any.
• Insurance: Roofing: a certificate of liability insurance of not less than $500,000, plus proof of workers' compensation coverage (or an exemption affidavit or self-insurance authorization). Coverage must be kept in force or the registration falls out of good standing.
• Business registration: Roofing applicants must include a current tax clearance certificate or letter from the Kansas Department of Revenue. Nonresident applicants must appoint the Kansas Secretary of State as agent for service of process.
• Also required: Roofing applicants must be at least 18 and apply under oath. The registration number must be included on every state or local roofing permit application.

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Fees: Roofing registration and renewal fees are set by the Attorney General and capped by statute at $500 for the annual certificate; the late fee cannot exceed $300. The actual current fee amount was not confirmed.
• Renewal: Roofing registration renews each fiscal year. Renewal applications are due by June 30, with a 30-day grace period; a certificate not renewed before July 31 is revoked.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

Electrical and HVAC licensing in Kansas is done by cities and counties, not a state board. State law designates the competency exams (ICC, IAPMO or Prometric) for electrical contractors and electricians (K.S.A. 12-1525) and for HVAC contractors and mechanics (K.S.A. 12-1541). A 2025-26 bill (HB 2588) to create statewide electrician licensing was listed only as introduced.

City and county rules

Contractor licensing for general, building and residential contractors and for trades is done by local governments. Check with the city or county building department where the work is located.

Working without a license

Acting as a roofing contractor without a valid registration carries a civil penalty under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act (K.S.A. 50-636) of not more than $10,000 for each violation. An unregistered roofing contractor cannot bring or maintain a court claim related to roofing work.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• Current roofing registration and renewal fee amounts set by the Attorney General (the statute caps the fee at $500).
• Kansas home improvement contract rules (written contract, deposits, cancellation) were not confirmed on an official page.
• Specific local licensing programs (for example in Johnson County, Wichita/Sedgwick County or Kansas City, Kansas) were not checked.
• Which agency (state or local) licenses plumbers in Kansas was not confirmed on an official page.

Sources

1. K.S.A. 50-6,122 Roofing contractor registration act; definitions
2. K.S.A. 50-6,123 Registration certificate required
3. K.S.A. 50-6,124 Attorney general administration; rules
4. K.S.A. 50-6,125 Application; insurance
5. K.S.A. 50-6,127 Duties of roofing contractor
6. K.S.A. 50-6,128 Fees
7. K.S.A. 50-6,129 Exemptions
8. K.S.A. 50-6,132 Renewal; reinstatement
9. K.S.A. 50-636 Civil penalties
10. K.S.A. 12-1540 Contractor definitions
11. K.S.A. 12-1541 HVAC competency examinations
12. K.S.A. 12-1525 Electrical competency examinations