At a Glance
Quick Answer
Illinois does not require a state-level general contractor license. Cities and counties set their own licensing requirements.
Context
Licensing & Bidding in Illinois
Illinois has no statewide general contractor license, which makes bidding here a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction exercise. There is no central board for general contracting; instead, individual municipalities set their own requirements, and the rules vary widely. Before bidding any project, confirm the specific city or county requirements for the job site, because a credential that satisfies one municipality may be worthless in the next. Chicago in particular runs one of the most stringent local licensing systems in the state, so treat work within city limits as requiring dedicated licensing research and lead time.
While general contracting is unlicensed at the state level, key specialty trades are not. Plumbing is licensed statewide through the Illinois Department of Public Health, and roofing contractors must hold state-level registration. Electrical work is generally handled at the local level. If your bid scope includes these trades, you must either hold the proper state credential or carry a properly licensed subcontractor, and you should price that compliance into the estimate. Because there is no NASCLA acceptance and no state reciprocity for general contractors, out-of-state bidders cannot rely on a single transferable credential and must satisfy each local jurisdiction independently.
Penalties reflect this fragmented structure. Unlicensed plumbing work draws fines of $1,000 to $5,000, and roofing violations can reach up to $5,000 per offense, while general contracting penalties depend entirely on local ordinances. The practical lesson for bidders is to never assume a project is unregulated: verify both the municipal general contractor requirements and the state-level trade licenses for plumbing and roofing before submitting a bid, since a missed local license can void your right to perform and collect.
Details
Key Facts & Fees
Key Facts
- GC License Required
- No
- Threshold
- Varies by municipality (Chicago requires licensing)
- Exam Required
- No
- NASCLA Accepted
- No
Fees
- Application Fee
- Varies ($50 - $500 depending on city)
- License Fee
- $300 - $2,000 in Chicago (class-based)
- Renewal Fee
- Varies by municipality (typically annual)
Reference
Key Facts
No statewide general contractor license requirement
Chicago has one of the most stringent local licensing systems
State-level licensing required for plumbing (through Dept. of Public Health)
Roofing contractors need state-level registration
Requirements
Insurance Requirements
Education
Continuing Education
Varies by municipality
Specialty
Specialty Licenses Required
Process
How to Apply
- 1Contact the local building department in the municipality where you plan to work
- 2Complete the municipality-specific contractor license application
- 3Pass any required local exams
- 4Obtain general liability and workers compensation insurance per local requirements
- 5Obtain state-level specialty licenses if applicable (plumbing, roofing)
- 6Pay local licensing and permit fees
Enforcement
Penalties for Unlicensed Work
Plumbing: $1,000-$5,000 fines; roofing: up to $5,000 per offense; local penalties vary
Resources
Related Templates
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FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Do I need a contractor license in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-level general contractor license. However, many cities and counties in Illinois have their own licensing requirements that you must comply with.
Is an exam required in Illinois?
No exam is required for contractor licensing in Illinois.
What insurance is required in Illinois?
General Liability: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 in Chicago; varies elsewhere. Workers Comp: Required for all employers. Bond: Varies by municipality.
What are the penalties for unlicensed contracting in Illinois?
Plumbing: $1,000-$5,000 fines; roofing: up to $5,000 per offense; local penalties vary
Does Illinois have a statewide general contractor license?
No. Illinois has no statewide general contractor license and no central board for general contracting. Licensing is set by individual municipalities, with requirements varying widely. Chicago operates one of the strictest local systems. Contractors must verify the specific city or county rules for each job site before bidding.
Which trades are licensed at the state level in Illinois?
Plumbing is licensed statewide through the Illinois Department of Public Health, and roofing contractors must carry state-level registration. Electrical work is generally regulated locally. If your scope includes plumbing or roofing, you must hold the proper state credential or use a licensed subcontractor regardless of the municipality.
What are the penalties for unlicensed trade work in Illinois?
Unlicensed plumbing work in Illinois carries fines of $1,000 to $5,000, and roofing violations can reach up to $5,000 per offense. Penalties for general contracting are set at the municipal level and vary by jurisdiction. Missing a required local license can void your right to perform and collect.