How to Verify a Registered Roofer in New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires roofing contractors to be registered as home improvement contractors through the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (oplc.nh.gov) before performing any residential roofing work. A $25,000 surety bond is required for home improvement contractors — significantly higher than most states. Verify registration at oplc.nh.gov before signing any roofing contract.

This guide covers New Hampshire's roofing contractor registration requirements, how to verify credentials online, what bond is required, and what else to confirm before work begins.

Does New Hampshire require roofers to be registered?

Yes. New Hampshire requires contractors who perform residential home improvement work — including roofing — to be registered with the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) at oplc.nh.gov. The registration is issued under New Hampshire's Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) program. Performing home improvement work without registration in New Hampshire can result in civil penalties and gives consumers strong legal grounds to void contracts with unregistered contractors.

New Hampshire's HIC registration program requires contractors to carry a $25,000 surety bond — one of the highest home improvement contractor bond requirements in New England. This reflects New Hampshire's strong consumer protection orientation and provides meaningful financial protection for homeowners entering into roofing contracts.

According to the NH Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau, contractor fraud is consistently among the top consumer complaints in the state. After storms, unlicensed storm chasers frequently target New Hampshire neighborhoods. Checking HIC registration status before hiring is the most effective first step in protecting yourself.

What is the NH Home Improvement Contractor registration?

New Hampshire's Home Improvement Contractor registration is issued by the OPLC and covers contractors who perform residential renovation, repair, and construction work including roofing, siding, windows, and general construction. To be registered, contractors must submit an application, pay the fee, and carry a $25,000 surety bond. The HIC database is publicly searchable at oplc.nh.gov.

New Hampshire's HIC law also includes specific consumer protections:

• Written contract requirements for projects above certain dollar amounts
• Three-day cancellation rights for contracts signed in your home
• Prohibition on requiring full payment before work begins
• Required disclosure of the contractor's HIC registration number

Any contractor who refuses to provide their HIC registration number or insists on full upfront payment is likely violating New Hampshire law.

What bond does a New Hampshire roofing contractor need?

New Hampshire Home Improvement Contractors must carry a $25,000 surety bond as a condition of HIC registration. This is significantly higher than the $10,000 bond required in most states and provides stronger consumer protection for larger projects like roof replacements. Beyond the bond, verify active general liability insurance. For roofing work, at least $500,000 in coverage is appropriate. Call the insurer to confirm the policy is active before signing.

How do I verify a roofer's registration in New Hampshire?

Visit oplc.nh.gov and use the OPLC's public license and registration lookup. Search for the contractor under Home Improvement Contractor by name or registration number. Confirm the registration status is active, the registration covers residential roofing, and the expiration date has not passed. If the contractor cannot be found in the OPLC database, they are not registered to perform residential work in New Hampshire.

What to verify in the OPLC search:

• Registration status— Active. Expired or lapsed means not authorized.
• Registration type— Home Improvement Contractor covering roofing scope.
• Expiration date— Must be current before any work begins.
• Business name— Should match the company on your contract.
• HIC number— Should be on any contract, bid, or estimate the contractor provides.

What else should I check before hiring a New Hampshire roofer?

Beyond OPLC registration, verify the $25,000 surety bond, active general liability insurance (call the insurer), workers' compensation for the crew, and references from recent New Hampshire roofing projects. Get a written contract specifying materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. The contract should include the contractor's HIC registration number. Ask the local building department whether a permit is required for your project.

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any New Hampshire roofing contractor's HIC registration status for just $0.99. Confirm the registration is active at oplc.nh.gov or use CheckLicensed.com to check credentials before any work begins on your roof.