Illinois Contractor License Requirements
infoNo State License — Local / County OnlyIllinois does not require a state-level general contractor license. Licensing is handled by cities and counties — Chicago has particularly strict requirements. State-level licenses exist for roofing and plumbing trades.
gavelHow Contractor Licensing Works in Illinois
Illinois leaves general contractor licensing to its cities and counties; no state board issues a general contractor license. The state carves out two trades for itself: roofing contractors need a state license for all roofing work, and plumbers are licensed statewide through IDFPR. Electrical licensing, unusually, stays local too. The practical center of gravity is Chicago, whose licensing requirements are among the strictest of any US city, with its own classifications, fees, and insurance rules; suburban municipalities and downstate counties each add their own registration schemes. A contractor from a state-licensed system like Wisconsin or Michigan will find no single Illinois credential to earn, just a patchwork that has to be assembled jurisdiction by jurisdiction around wherever the work actually is.
Approach Illinois geographically: register the business with the Secretary of State, then license or register in each municipality where you will pull permits, starting with Chicago if the city is in your plans since its process takes the longest and its general contractor license classes are tiered by project value. Roofing work anywhere in the state requires the state roofing license first, and it is one of the most commonly enforced credentials because it must appear on advertising and contracts. Plumbing follows the state IDFPR license. Workers compensation is mandatory with employees. The recurring mistake is assuming a Chicago license covers the suburbs; Evanston, Oak Park, and the rest each check their own rolls at permit time.
account_balanceLicensing Board
Board Name
No state licensing board — local jurisdictions
Website
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/Phone
(888) 473-4858
descriptionLicense Types
| Type | Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Contractor | All work | State license required for roofing work |
| Plumbing | All work | State license required through IDFPR |
| Electrical | Varies | No state license — local jurisdictions handle electrical licensing |
checklistRequirements
- check_circleLocal city/county license
- check_circleBusiness registration with Secretary of State
paymentsFee Schedule
Application
Varies by city/county
Annual Renewal
Varies by city/county
Exam Fee
Varies by trade
event_repeatRenewal Period
Varies by jurisdiction
shieldInsurance Minimums
General Liability
Varies by jurisdiction
Workers Compensation
Required if employees
swap_horizReciprocity
- arrow_forwardNot applicable — local licensing
helpFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a contractor license in Illinois?
There is no state general contractor license in Illinois; cities and counties handle it, with Chicago running the strictest program. You will need whatever license or registration each municipality where you work requires. Two statewide exceptions: roofing contractors need an Illinois state license for all roofing work, and plumbing is licensed statewide through IDFPR.
What does Chicago require of general contractors?
Chicago issues its own general contractor licenses in classes tiered by project value, with city-specific application, fee, and insurance requirements that exceed most Illinois municipalities. A Chicago license covers Chicago only; surrounding suburbs like Evanston and Oak Park maintain separate registration programs and verify their own requirements before issuing permits, so multi-town contractors hold multiple credentials.
Is roofing licensed at the state level in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires a state roofing contractor license for all roofing work, one of only two construction credentials the state controls directly, alongside plumbing through IDFPR. The roofing license number must appear on contracts and advertising, and unlicensed roofing is actively enforced. Electrical licensing, by contrast, remains a local matter handled by individual jurisdictions.
How long does it take to get licensed in Illinois?
It depends entirely on the jurisdictions you choose. Many suburban and downstate municipalities process contractor registrations in days to a couple of weeks, while Chicago's general contractor licensing takes longer given its documentation and insurance review. The state roofing and plumbing licenses run on their own timelines with exam requirements, so trade contractors should start those first.
infoData sourced from state licensing board websites. Requirements change frequently — verify with your state board before applying. Last updated April 2026.