As you are probably aware it is time for biennial license renewal. All Illinois roofing licenses expire 12/31/2021. (It would be in your best interest to keep reading this so as to benefit from my years of experience thereby saving you from the aggravation of having your application rejected.)
There is a new wrinkle this year that is going to be a trap for the unwary LLC owner. The State is now enforcing the requirement that you need a Professional Limited Liability Company for your roofing business From the State Website:
Please be advised:
Due to statute changes in Illinois for LLC, all businesses listed as LLC’s providing professional services licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are now required to register as a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office (ILSOS).
The PLLC must also list a specific purpose clause for the type of professional service being provided. Please have your Articles of Organization amended to a PLLC and the purpose clause amended to show your professional service.
What does this mean to you if you have an LLC?
It means your renewal will be rejected if you do not file an amendment with the Secretary of State. You should contact your lawyer or accountant ASAP to make this change or you can follow the instructions on the State’s website to make the change yourself.
What Else Do You Need to Do to Renew Your Illinois Roofing License?
To keep your license in good standing you must submit to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) the following:
1.Renewal Application and Fee
This form will either be emailed or mailed to you. It will tell you the amount you need to submit to the State to renew your license. You can get a copy by going HERE.
2.RF-INS Form
This is a form required by the State for renewal. It shows them proof of insurance. Be aware that the State will not accept an ACORD or Standard Certificate of Insurance. It has to be on the RF-INS Form. A copy of the form can be found HERE ON PAGE 5. Pro Tips: The State no longer requires “Live or Ink” signatures from the insurance agent. The laser-printed signature is acceptable. The qualifying individual signature must be in ink and not a copy.
3.Bond
There are two license classifications:
3.1 Limited License
A limited license is for contractors whose roofing business is limited to roofing residential properties of eight units or less. This bond is for $10,000 and needs to be for 2 years expiring 12/31 of odd-numbered years. The cost for this bond is $175 total for the 2 years. The State has a specific form that must be used initially, for renewals a continuation certificate with the license number written on the form is acceptable.
3.2 Unlimited License
The Unlimited License is for contractors whose roofing businesses work with residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This bond is for $25,000 and needs to be for 2 years expiring 12/31 of odd-numbered years. The cost for this bond is $437.50 total for the 2 years. The State has a specific form that must be used initially, for renewals a continuation certificate with the license number written on the form is acceptable.
Things to Double Check When Submitting Your Renewal
Here are a few things to double-check before submitting your renewal:
- Make sure you sign the RF-INS form in ink. Send original to the State. Like I said previously the State does not require the insurance agents signature in ink anymore.
- Make sure everything is spelled correctly and the address matches exactly what is on file. They are sticklers about this. Also no crossouts or whiteouts are allowed.
- Make sure your bond continuation certificate has your license number on it.
- Make sure you have converted your LLC to a PLLC, trust me they check.
Good luck with your renewal process and if you would like to get an Illinois Roofing Bond or affordable Roofers General Liability insurance call me at (866) 225-1950
