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ILLocal License Only

Illinois Contractor License

No statewide board; regulated by individual municipalities

Illinois does not require a state-level general contractor license. Cities and counties set their own licensing requirements.

Quick Reference

GC License Required
No
Threshold
Varies by municipality (Chicago requires licensing)
Exam Required
No
NASCLA Accepted
No
Official Board Website

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)

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

Insurance Requirements

General Liability
$1,000,000 - $5,000,000 in Chicago; varies elsewhere
Workers Comp
Required for all employers
Surety Bond
Varies by municipality

Continuing Education

Varies by municipality

Specialty Licenses Required

Plumbing (state-level)Roofing (state-level)Electrical (local)

How to Apply

  1. 1Contact the local building department in the municipality where you plan to work
  2. 2Complete the municipality-specific contractor license application
  3. 3Pass any required local exams
  4. 4Obtain general liability and workers compensation insurance per local requirements
  5. 5Obtain state-level specialty licenses if applicable (plumbing, roofing)
  6. 6Pay local licensing and permit fees

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Plumbing: $1,000-$5,000 fines; roofing: up to $5,000 per offense; local penalties vary

Related Templates

Pre-Qualification QuestionnaireCOI Request FormSubcontractor Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

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