Depending on the business type and activity, Illinois may require licenses, permits, and registrations at the state, county, city, and even federal levels. In addition, businesses may need to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue - a requirement if they are conducting business in the state or with Illinois customers - and register with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Contact CT Corporation for a free consultation.
Navigating Illinois licensure laws can be complex and time consuming. Many industries and occupations are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the main licensing authority in the state. A business may also need to obtain permits from or register with one or more state agencies. At the local level, some jurisdictions require businesses to obtain additional licensing and to comply with zoning laws. To learn more about the specific registration and licensing requirements in Illinois, click on the Illinois industry or county tabs for more information or to order the proper forms.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation for a consultation with a business licensing specialist.
CT Corporation manages the lifecycle of all your business licenses and provides ongoing support for your core business license program.
CT Corporation assembles a business license package with all the licensing applications and instructions your business may need - quickly and accurately.
License Type:
Illinois Appraisal Management Company License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2500 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $2,500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Architectural Firm License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Medical Marijuana / Cannabis
Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization License
License Issued By:
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2,500-$5,000 application fee, $30,000-$60,000 two-year license fee *
Other Requirements:
The department ranks applicants and awards licenses based on employee training plans, business plans, social equity status, and security plans. Biannual renewals.
Notes:
Licenses are awarded on a limited basis with a specific number of licenses available per region. To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application; a $2,500-$5,000 application fee; $30,000-$60,000 license fee*; extensive supporting documentation including employee training plans, business plans, social equity status, and security plans; and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Cannabis / Marijuana Retail
Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization License
License Issued By:
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2,500-$5,000 application fee, $30,000-$60,000 two-year license fee *
Other Requirements:
The department ranks applicants and awards licenses based on employee training plans, business plans, social equity status, and security plans. Biannual renewals.
Notes:
Licenses are awarded on a limited basis with a specific number of licenses available per region. To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application; a $2,500-$5,000 application fee; $30,000-$60,000 license fee*; extensive supporting documentation including employee training plans, business plans, social equity status, and security plans; and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Charitable Solicitation Registration
License Issued By:
Illinois Office of the Attorney General's Charitable Trust and Solicitations Bureau
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$15 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Reports
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $15 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual reports.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Collection Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$750 *, surety bond
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $750 fee*, a surety bond, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Commercial Painter License at the state level. However, if your business is providing commercial painting services in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Commercial Painter License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Compounding Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Cosmetology License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$40 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $40 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Debt Management License
License Issued By:
Illinois Division of Financial Institutions' Consumer Credit Section
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$130 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $130 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Durable Medical Equipment License
License Issued By:
Illinois Division of Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$300 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $300 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require an Electrical Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is providing electrical services in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Electrical Contractor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Employment Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Labor's Fair Labor Standards Division
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 to $500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $250 to $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Energy Broker License
License Issued By:
Illinois Commerce Commission
Other Requirements:
Annual Reports
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and annual reports.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Engineering Firm License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$75 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $75 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Fertilizer License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Fertilizer Product Registration
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$20 per product *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $20 per product fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Franchise Registration
License Issued By:
Illinois Attorney General
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a General Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is doing construction in Illinois, you may be required to obtain General Contractor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Home Health Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Public Health's Health Care Facilities and Programs Section
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$25 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $25 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Home Improvement Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is providing home improvement services in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Home Improvement Contractor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require an HVAC Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services in Illinois, you may be required to obtain HVAC License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Insurance Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Division of Insurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Mail-Order Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Illinois Board of Pharmacy
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Manufactured Home Dealer License
License Issued By:
Dealer Licensing Section of the Illinois Vehicle Services Department
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $1,500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Manufactured Home Installer License
License Issued By:
Division of Environmental Health of the Illinois Department of Public Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$150 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $150 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Manufactured Home Manufacturer License
License Issued By:
Division of Environmental Health of the Illinois Department of Public Health
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Money Transmitter License
License Issued By:
Consumer Credit Section of the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$210 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $210 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Mortgage Broker License
License Issued By:
Division of Banking of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2800 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $2,800 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Mortgage Lender License
License Issued By:
Division of Banking of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$2800 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $2,800 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Pawnbroker License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation's Division of Banking
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$765 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $765 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Payday Lender License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1000 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $1,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Pesticide Product Registration
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$600 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $600 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Pet Shop License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$25 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $25 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Pharmacy License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *, an inspection
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $100 fee*, an inspection, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Plumbing Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is providing plumbing services in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Plumbing Contractor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Private Investigation Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Division of Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Private Security License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$500 *
Other Requirements:
Triennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and triennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Professional Engineer License
License Issued By:
Division of Professional Regulation of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$100 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $100 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Residential Painter License at the state level. However, if your business is providing residential painting services in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Residential Painter License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Roofing Contractor License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$125 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $125 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Sales Tax ID
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Secondhand Dealer License at the state level. However, if your business is dealing in secondhand goods in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Secondhand Dealer License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Solar Contractor License at the state level. However, if your business is performing solar panel installation in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Solar Contractor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Staff Leasing Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Insurance
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$1000 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $1,000 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Talent Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Labor
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 to $500 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $250 to $500 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Tattoo Parlor License at the state level. However, if your business is operating a tattoo parlor in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Tattoo Parlor License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Telemarketing License. However, if your business is soliciting to consumers in Illinois, you may still be required to comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Title Agency License
License Issued By:
Illinois Title Insurance Underwriters
Other Requirements:
Compliance with State Law
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and compliance with state law.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
The State of Illinois (IL) does not require a Tobacco Retail License at the state level. However, if your business is selling any type of tobacco at retail in Illinois, you may be required to obtain Tobacco Retail License at the local level or comply with other licensing laws at the state or local level. If you are unsure about whether your business needs to be licensed, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
License Type:
Illinois Tobacco Wholesale License
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Revenue
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$250 *
Other Requirements:
Annual Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $250 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and annual renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Unemployment Tax ID
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Wholesale Drug Distributor License
License Issued By:
Division of Professional Regulation of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Jurisdiction Filing Fees:
$200 *
Other Requirements:
Biennial Renewals
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, a $200 fee*, extensive supporting documentation, and biennial renewals.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
License Type:
Illinois Withholding Tax ID
License Issued By:
Illinois Department of Revenue
Other Requirements:
Tax Returns
Notes:
To obtain (and maintain) this license, the State of Illinois requires an application, extensive supporting documentation, and tax returns.
Furthermore, the State may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites** prior to submission.
If your business is operating within Cook County, IL, you are required to have a business license issued by the Department of Revenue. Biennial renewals are required. The county may reject your application if you have not met certain prerequisites prior to submission.
All other Illinois counties do not issue Basic Business Licenses. However, your business may be required to obtain a Basic Business License at the state or local level or comply with other licensing laws, based on your business activity and location.
Note: The above refers only to basic business licenses, which are required for any type of business operating within the county. For information regarding industry specific licenses issued by Illinois, contact us today!
Let us take care of the paperwork for you! We will prepare and file your application, and we will follow up with the State until you have received your Illinois state license. As licensing experts, we will streamline the entire licensing process, making it as painless as possible.
For more information, please contact CT Corporation to consult a licensing specialist.
