How to Get an Illinois Contractor License

5-minute read

Illinois contractor standing in a kitchen

Want to get your Illinois contractor license, but not sure where to start?

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for getting your Illinois contractor license — plus a bonus section on how to get a Chicago contractor license.

Do You Need a Contractors License in Illinois?

At the state level, only plumbers and roofers need to be licensed.1 General contractors, electricians, and other trades do not have to carry a state of Illinois general contractor license.

In Illinois, licensing for general contractors and handymen is regulated at the municipal level, and most cities and counties require contractors to carry licenses before they can do work. If you’re unsure whether you need a license, check with your local department first.

There are several good reasons to get a license. Here are a few:

  • You’ll likely score jobs that pay more. Chances are, you can handle smaller projects, like painting trim, installing appliances, and caulking bathrooms. But a license opens the doors to bigger, more complicated jobs boosting your entrepreneur salary.
  • You’ll appear credible and professional. Getting a license is a great way for new customers to find you. You’ll appear in online lists with other licensed contractors. And, your license will make you appear trustworthy, safe, and credible.
  • You’ll protect your business in big ways. What would you do if your equipment got damaged or if an employee got injured? Some licenses require you to get business insurance, like general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, which can provide peace of mind if there’s an unexpected loss.

Does a Handyman Need a License in Illinois?

Similar to general contractors, municipalities often have laws that may require handymen to have a general contractor license.

It’s a good idea before you start a job to check with local government agencies in the city, town, or area you’ll be working in about handyman license requirements.

Does a Contractor Need a Business License?

While general contractors do not need a state of Illinois general contractor license, they do need to register2 their business with the state. Every business needs this stamp of approval to conduct business and pay taxes.

You can get more details from the state’s First Stop Business Information Center.3 You also can call their hotline at 800-252-2923 or email them at [email protected].

For more information on registering your business in Illinois, check out this helpful guide.

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How do I Get a Plumbing or Roofing License in Illinois?

For contractors who want to work as a plumber, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Public Health.4 And roofers can apply for a roofing contractor license with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).5

For everyone else, head to your local municipal department for details on licensing requirements. We can’t break down the process for every city and county in Illinois, but, since it’s the biggest, we’ll walk you through the Chicago general contractor license requirements.

Getting a Chicago Contractor License in Chicago

If you live and work in the Windy City, you can obtain your general contractor license through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.6 It’s a fairly simple process, but it does take some time. But depending on your project, you may still need additional licenses through the State of Illinois.

To get a City of Chicago general contractor license, go to the Continental Testing Service7 website. This testing service manages general contractor license applications and renewals on behalf of the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings.8

To obtain your Chicago contractor license, you’ll need to submit:

  • A Chicago general contractor license application form.9
  • A description of the work you plan to do.
  • Information about your business and its structure.
  • The type of license classification you’re applying for. 
  • A licensing fee for your particular license classification.
  • Proof you have business insurance.

For more information about what’s required, visit the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings10 and the Continental Testing Service11 website.

And remember how we said that you may be required to carry business insurance in order to get your contractor license?

That’s why we recommend getting your business insurance policy first before applying for your Illinois contractor license. Buying a top-notch insurance plan is one of the first steps toward becoming official, plus you’ll have your certificate of liability insurance form ready to go during your application process.

Simply Business can help you get started with a quote online, and in minutes we’ll match you with policy options recommended for businesses like yours. It’s fast and easy! But if you still have questions, our team of insurance experts is here to assist. You can reach them at 844-654-7272, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (ET).

Ready to Get to Work?

Licenses, registrations, and insurance are key steps to setting up your contractor business. But being licensed and insured is often just the start, and we want you to know that we’ll be with you every step of the way. When you visit our online Resource Center, you’ll find all kinds of useful articles, tools, and tips. Here are just a few that provide helpful information for contractors:

General Contractor Insurance: Everything You Need To Know
Protect Your Growing Handyperson Business During Busy Times

FREE Contractor Invoice Template

If you still have questions about how to get an Illinois contractors license, we encourage you to speak with local licensing officials or legal professionals who can assist you.

References:

  1. https://www.illinois.gov/business/registration-licenses-permits.html ↩︎
  2. https://tax.illinois.gov/businesses/registration.html ↩︎
  3. https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/beginhere/businessinformationcenter.html ↩︎
  4. https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html ↩︎
  5. https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/roof.html ↩︎
  6. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/gen_contract/svcs/applyrenewlicense.html ↩︎
  7. https://www.continentaltesting.net/ ↩︎
  8. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/TLdetails/GC.html ↩︎
  9. https://www.continentaltesting.net/Profession/Index/99 ↩︎
  10. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/TLdetails/GC.html ↩︎
  11. https://www.continentaltesting.net/ ↩︎

Written by

Courtney Hayes

Born and raised in the fishing port of Gloucester, MA, I grew up listening to the sea stories of local fishermen. My first job was “chum girl” on my dad’s tuna boat, where I spent my formative years covered in fish guts. Since then, I’ve worked as a researcher, blogger, and writer for documentary films. When not at work, you can find me surfing the cold waters of the North Atlantic or searching for warmer waves around the world.

Courtney writes on a number of topics such as risk assessment, starting a small business, and financial resources.

This content is for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain expert advice from industry-specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our full disclaimer