How to verify a Québec RBQ contractor yourself in 15 minutes (2026)

Direct answer

Verifying a Québec roofing contractor yourself takes 15 minutes and costs zero dollars. You need to consult 6 official registries in order. If the contractor fails on a single registry, do not sign. This guide walks you through, step by step — the same sequence an independent review service follows before issuing a written opinion.

Important note: GCT Expert does not hold an RBQ licence and performs no regulatory verification, inspection or compliance certification. This guide is an information tool to help you consult the public registries yourself.

What you need before starting

Ask the contractor, in writing:

1. The exact legal name of the company (as registered)
2. The full RBQ number (format XXXX-XXXX-XX, 10 digits)
3. The Québec business number (NEQ)
4. The signatory's name and title within the company
5. Proof of civil liability insurance (active policy)

A serious contractor sends these five items within 24 hours. Refusal or a delay over 48 hours is already a signal.

The 6 registries to check, in order

Registry 1 — Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ)

Where: rbq.gouv.qc.ca → Licence Holders Registry

What you verify:

• The RBQ number is "in force" (not "suspended", "cancelled" or "restricted")
• The legal name matches the quote exactly
• Subcategory 4.2 "Roofer" appears (mandatory for sloped residential roofing)
• For flat roofs: subcategory 4.3 "Waterproofing"
• No restriction listed
• The $40,000 licence bond is active

Red flag: a contractor installing elastomeric membrane without 4.3 is operating outside their category.

Registry 2 — Québec Enterprise Registrar (REQ)

Where: registreentreprises.gouv.qc.ca

What you verify:

• The NEQ exists and is "registered"
• The company domicile is in Québec
• Listed directors match the quote signatory
• Incorporation date is more than 24 months old (very new companies = raised risk)
• No strike-off in progress or recent
• Trade names declared — a contractor operating under 3 or 4 different names deserves a second look

Registry 3 — Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC)

Where: opc.gouv.qc.ca → Merchant Registry

What you verify:

• The business appears (residential renovation sellers must be registered in some cases)
• No recent infractions
• No public notice against the business

Bonus: consult the OPC's "Alerts and warnings" section for contractors currently under scrutiny.

Registry 4 — CNESST (workplace safety board)

Where: cnesst.gouv.qc.ca → Compliance certificate

What you verify:

• The business holds a valid compliance certificate
• No outstanding contributions

Why it matters: an accident on your worksite with a non-compliant contractor can trigger your own civil liability.

Registry 5 — Court roll (SOQUIJ plumitif)

Where: soquij.qc.ca → Civil plumitifs

What you verify:

• Number of active lawsuits against the business
• History of residential-client litigation
• Bankruptcies of the business or its directors

The plumitif is paid (a few dollars per query), but it is the registry that reveals patterns of businesses that resurface under new names.

Registry 6 — Court of Québec, Small Claims Division

Where: justice.gouv.qc.ca → Judgment registry

What you verify:

• Recent judgments against the company or its officers
• Case types (defective work, unreturned deposit, unfinished work)

The 12 cumulative red flags

Rule of thumb: 0 to 1 flag = acceptable after discussion; 2 to 3 flags = second verification by a third party; 4 or more flags = do not sign.

What the verification does NOT tell you

Even with 6 spotless registries, you have not verified:

• The technical quality of the quote (materials, scope, exclusions)
• The price vs. market
• The Building Code compliance of the proposed scope
• Business insurance beyond the mandatory $40,000
• Actual client history (beyond Google reviews, which can be manipulated)

That is where an independent documentary review of the quote adds a layer public registries do not cover.

Template email to send to the contractor

Hello [name],

>

Before finalizing our decision, I would like to receive the following in writing:

>

1. The exact legal name of your company and its NEQ.

2. Your full RBQ number and the subcategories held (4.2, 4.3).

3. A copy of your current CNESST compliance certificate.

4. Proof of civil liability insurance (amount, insurer, expiry date).

5. Name and title of the person who will sign the contract on the company's behalf.

>

Please send these documents within 48 hours.

>

Regards.

If these five items arrive complete within 24 to 48 hours, you are likely dealing with a serious contractor. Then check the six registries — the verification becomes a confirmation, not an investigation.

FAQ — Verifying a Québec RBQ contractor yourself

Is the RBQ registry really free?

Yes, consulting the Licence Holders Registry is entirely free.

How long does the full verification take?

About 15 minutes for a familiar user; 30 to 45 minutes the first time.

What if the contractor refuses to provide their RBQ number?

Refuse to continue discussions. A legitimate contractor gives the number without hesitation — it is even a legal requirement to display it on every ad and quote.

Does GCT Expert verify contractors on my behalf?

No. GCT Expert does not hold an RBQ licence and performs no regulatory verification or inspection. We only provide documentary review of the written quote you already hold.