How to verify an RBQ licence before signing a contract

Why the RBQ licence is non-negotiable

In Québec, every roofing contractor must hold an active licence issued by the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Hiring a contractor without a valid licence exposes the homeowner to several major risks:

• No protection in case of defective work
• No recourse under the warranty plan
• Possible cancellation of home insurance
• Civil liability in case of a worksite accident

And yet, nearly 22% of contractors soliciting Québec homeowners door-to-door do not hold a valid licence or operate under an inappropriate subcategory.

The 3 steps to verify an RBQ licence

Step 1 — Ask for the full number

A valid RBQ number has the form XXXX-XXXX-XX (10 digits). Refuse any contractor who hesitates to give it, hands it over verbally only, or claims that "the number is pending".

Step 2 — Check the official registry

Go to the Licence Holders Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Enter the number. Verify:

• The legal name matches the one on the quote exactly
• The licence is "in force" (not "suspended", "cancelled" or "restricted")
• The company holds the subcategory 4.2 "Roofer" — the only one authorizing residential roofing work
• No restriction appears in the file

Step 3 — Verify the bond and insurance

Request proof of the licence bond ($40,000 mandatory) and civil liability insurance (minimum $2M recommended). Serious contractors provide these documents within 24 hours.

Red flags to recognize

• The contractor says "I'm working under a friend's licence"
• The RBQ number given belongs to another company
• The licence is in a "general" subcategory without 4.2
• The business has existed less than 6 months
• Several commercial names for the same crew
• Refusal to provide a Québec civic address

Relevant RBQ subcategories for roofing

A contractor installing elastomeric membranes on a flat roof must hold subcategory 4.3 or 4.2 depending on the building type. Many homeowners overlook this nuance.

What to do if the licence is invalid?

1. Refuse to sign, even under pressure.
2. Report the company to the RBQ (1 800 361-0761).
3. Keep all written exchanges.
4. Consult an independent service like ours to validate the complete file.

FAQ — Roofing RBQ licence

Is a pending licence valid?

No. As long as the licence is not shown as "in force" on the registry, the contractor is not entitled to perform the work.

My contractor is licensed in another province. Is that enough?

No. The Québec RBQ licence is mandatory to perform construction or renovation work on Québec territory.

How much does a professional verification cost?

The basic check is free via the RBQ registry. A full analysis (licence, court record, OPC history) typically costs $75 to $200.