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Contractor License in Illinois

Trade-specific

Illinois does not license general contractors at the state level. GC licensing is handled locally by cities and counties (for example, Chicago's Home Repair License for 1-2 unit residential work), while the state only licenses specific trades such as roofing and plumbing through IDFPR.

Quick facts

ExamNot at state level for general contractors; roofing and plumbing state licenses require exams. Local jurisdictions may require trade exams.
BondVaries by municipality; no statewide GC bond. Chicago and other cities set their own bond amounts.
InsuranceSet locally; municipalities typically require general liability and workers' comp. State roofing license requires GL and WC.
FeesVary by city/county; no single statewide GC fee.
RenewalSet by local jurisdiction for GCs. State roofing license renews annually; plumbing annually.
ReciprocityNo statewide GC license, so no state reciprocity. Trade licenses (roofing/plumbing) may have limited arrangements.
Main agencyIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Official sitehttps://idfpr.illinois.gov
Requirements, thresholds, and fees change, and local rules can be stricter than the state. Always confirm directly with the board and your local building department before you bid or pull a permit. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Apply / official Illinois board →

License classifications

How to get licensed in Illinois

  1. Identify the city or county where you will perform work, since Illinois has no statewide GC license.
  2. Contact that local building or business licensing department for its contractor registration/license requirements.
  3. For Chicago residential work, apply for a Home Repair License through the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.
  4. Provide required proof of insurance, bond, and any local exam results.
  5. If doing roofing or plumbing, apply for the state trade license through IDFPR (idfpr.illinois.gov).

Frequently asked questions

Does Illinois have a state general contractor license?

No. General contractors are licensed at the city or county level. There is no statewide GC license.

Which contractors does the state of Illinois license?

The state (IDFPR) licenses specific trades, notably roofing contractors and plumbing contractors, not general contractors.

Do I need a license to do home repair in Chicago?

Yes. Chicago requires a Home Repair License for work on one- or two-unit residential buildings through Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

If I work in multiple Illinois cities, do I need multiple licenses?

Generally yes. Each municipality sets its own registration/license rules, so you may need to register in each jurisdiction.

Is a bond required for Illinois contractors?

It depends on the local jurisdiction. There is no statewide GC bond requirement; check the specific city or county.

Sources

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Guide compiled from official Illinois licensing-board sources. Verify current details with the board before acting; licensing rules change.