Trade business resources for Illinois.

Licensing board, permit offices, and trade-by-trade requirements for Illinois contractors. All links go to the official sources, not paid intermediaries.

State licensing board

Illinois does not issue a statewide general contractor license; instead, most contractor licensing is handled at the local municipality level, with the state regulating specific trades such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Contractors must register their business entity with the Illinois Secretary of State and obtain applicable local permits before beginning work.

Illinois regulates specific trades at the state level rather than licensing general contractors statewide. Plumbers must hold a state license issued through IDFPR. Electricians are licensed at the local level in most jurisdictions, though the City of Chicago and many municipalities have their own licensing requirements. HVAC contractors must register with the Illinois Department of Public Health under the Environmental Health Practitioner Licensing Act if they work on certain systems. Roofing contractors are not licensed at the state level but may face local registration requirements. General contractors typically only need local business licenses and building permits, with no statewide GC license required.

License requirements by trade

Top Illinois city permit offices

Business registration