Illinois Business License

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General Business Licensing Guide
Overview
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General Business License Requirements for Illinois.

Business licenses are often required of business entities, regardless of their products and services. This page provides an overview of business license requirements in Illinois.

Illinois General Business Licenses

Illinois Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the State level in Illinois.

Illinois does not have a general business license at the state level, but local licenses are often required.

Local General Business Licenses

City of Alton Business License

Agency:City of Alton Treasurer's Office (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Village of Bedford Park Business License

Agency:Village of Bedford Park (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Regulation Certificate (BRC) Application – New Business

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business size. See application for fee schedule. 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Regulation Certificate (BRC) Application – Annual Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business size. See application for fee schedule. 

Due:

Annually by June 30. 

City of Belleville Business License

Agency:City of Belleville City Clerk's Office (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

The City of Belleville does not require every business to have a general business license. However, there are specific businesses which do require a license or permit. Refer to the list that is attached to the application for businesses that the City licenses.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type

Required Attachments:
  • A copy of the Illinois Sales Tax Certification
  • Certificate of Liability
  • Copy of Driver's License of Applicant
  • Copy of Vehicle Insurance
  • Copy of Local Health Department License
  • Copy of Vehicle Registration
  • Picture of Mobile Commerce Vehicle
  • Approval of Sale Location (if applicable)
  • Copy of Application sent to EDZ&P for Seasonal Commercial Occupancy (if applicable)
  • Verified NO indebtedness to City

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business typr. 

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Village of Broadview Business License

Agency:Village of Broadview Building Department (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Determined by business type.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Determined by business type. 

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Chicago Business License

Agency:City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection - Small Business Center (IL)
Law:

Municipal Code of Chicago § 4-4-010

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Automatic Exemption

Exemption Eligible Organizations:
  • Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Naprapaths, and Osteopaths
  • Architects
  • Athletics (i.e. Professional Boxers, Boxing Managers, Referees,
  • Timekeepers, Judges, Boxing Promoters and Seconds)
  • Cemetery (Authorities, Managers, and Customer Service Employees)
  • Certified Public Accountants
  • Clinical Psychologists
  • Clinical Social Workers and Social Workers
  • Counselors (Professional and Clinical Professional)
  • Cosmetology Schools and similar establishments
  • Detection of Deception Examiners
  • Dentists, Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists
  • Dietitians and Nutrition Counselors
  • Engineers (Professional and Structural)
  • Environmental Health Practitioners
  • Funeral (Directors and Embalmers)
  • Geologists (Professional)
  • Landscape Architects
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Nurses
  • Nursing Home Administrators
  • Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapist Assistants
  • Optometrists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Physicians and Physician Assistants
  • Podiatrists
  • Private Detectives, Private Alarm Companies, and Security Guards
  • Real Estate Brokers
  • Respiratory Care Practitioners
  • Shorthand Reporters
  • Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
  • Surgical (Assistants and Technologists)
  • Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
  • Wholesale Drug Distributors
  • ATMs not owned by financial institutions
  • Check Printers
  • Mortgage Bankers and Brokers
  • Savings and Loan Associations
  • Savings Banks
  • State Chartered Banks
  • Trust Companies
  • Credit Unions
  • Currency Exchanges
  • Money Transmitters
  • Title Insurance Companies
Notes:
  • Many business activities regulated by the state of Illinois, through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR), are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Chicago Business License.
  • If additional business activities are offered in the establishment/facility, which are not covered by the State of Illinois license, then a Chicago Business License may be required. 

Initial Registration

Instructions:

Information for some license types can be found on the Business License Types page. The Business Information Sheet also gives applicants a glimpse at some of the questions that will be asked on license applications.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Depends on business activity. There is a $25 application fee for applying online. The fee for a Limited Business License is $250. Fees for other license types can be found here.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Depends on business activity. The fee for a Limited Business License is $250. Fees for other license types can be found here.

Due:

Biennially

Town of Cicero Business License

Agency:Town of Cicero Business Licenses Department (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

In Person

Agency Fee:

$125

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

Fees depend on business services. 

Due:

Licenses expire on June 30 of each year. Renewals must be filed at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date.

City of Collinsville Business License

Agency:City of Collinsville City Services Department (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$25

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

City of Columbia Business License / Occupancy Permit

Agency:City of Columbia (IL)
Law:

City of Columbia IL Municipal Code

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:
  • The application nformation (which includes the Business License/Occupancy Permit Application and the Communications Emergency Contact List must be completed and submitted to the Building & Zoning Office at Columbia City Hall prior to opening business. Submitting this application does not represent City approval to open proposed business.
  • Inspection of Business/Occupancy Location: After application has been reviewed by the appropriate staff at City Hall, inspections of the proposed business location will be scheduled with the business representative and property owner. This process is to confirm the proposed location is meeting all code requirements regarding zoning, building, fire and electrical, as well as ensuring sufficient parking for employees and customers will be provided.
  • Approved/Denied Business License/Occupancy Permit: After all inspections have been completed, you will be contacted by the City Clerk’s office and informed of the permit status. If a business license has been approved, the Clerk’s Office will inform the applicant of the appropriate fees.
  • Approved Permit: If approved, the City Clerk’s Office will mail the Business License/Occupancy Permit and an invoice for the Business License Permit to the Permit Holder.
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Email info@columbiaillinois.com or communitydev@columbiaillinois.com

Agency Fee:

$40, payments can be done online. 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Email info@columbiaillinois.com or communitydev@columbiaillinois.com

Agency Fee:

$25, payments can be done online. 

Due:

Annually by April 30. 

Village East Hazel Crest Business/Contractor Business License

Agency:Village of East Hazel Crest (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Insurance Requirements:

Certificate of Insurance with the Village of East Hazel Crest listed as "additionally insured" in the description box (Contractor Business License only) 

Bond Requirements:

$10,000 Surety Bond (except plumbers) (Contractor Business License only) 

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

East Hazel Crest Based Business License Application or Contractor's Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or in person 

Agency Fee:
  • East Hazel Crest Based Business License: Determined by business type. See fee schedule. 
  • Contractor's Business License: General Contractor $200, Sub-Contractor $150
Original Ink:Required
Required Attachments:
  • Contractor's Business License
    • Business License Application returned with original signature
    • Certificate of Insurance with the Village of East Hazel Crest listed as "additionally insured" in the description box
    • $10,000 Surety Bond (except plumbers)
    • Applicable State Licensing
    • Applicant's State ID

Registration Renewal

Form:

East Hazel Crest Based Business License  or Contractor's Business License

Filing Method:

Mail or in person 

Agency Fee:
  • East Hazel Crest Based Business License: Determined by business type. See fee schedule. 
  • Contractor's Business License: General Contractor $200, Sub-Contractor $150
Due:

Annually by April 30. 

Original Ink:Required
Required Attachments:
  • Contractor's Business License 
    • Business License Application returned with original signature
    • Certificate of Insurance with the Village of East Hazel Crest listed as "additionally insured" in the description box
    • $10,000 Surety Bond (except plumbers)
    • Applicable State Licensing
    • Applicant's State ID    

City of Elgin Business License

Agency:City of Elgin Community Development Department
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

In the City of Elgin, all persons who conduct, engage in, maintain, operate, carry on or manage a business, either through such person or through an agent, employee or partner, must obtain by February 1 of each year a business license for said business.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Application

Agency Fee:

$230

Turnaround:

7-10 business days

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed by February 1 each year.

Elk Grove Village Business License

Agency:Elk Grove Village Finance Department (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees determined by business type. 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Fees determined by business type.

Due:

Annually by June 1. 

Village of Elmwood Park Business License

Agency:Village of Elmwood Park Business Section (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

The Village of Elmwood Park Business License

Agency:The Village of Elmwood Park Businesses (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

City of Evanston Business Registration

Agency:City of Evanston - Business Registration (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$75

Due:

Annually by March 31

Village of Glen Carbon Business License

Agency:Village of Glen Carbon Village Clerk's Office (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Required Attachments:
  • Include floor plan of business with dimenisons.
  • Include copies of all certificates, if applicable.
  • Include Home Occupation Letter, if applicable.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Registration Application

Instructions:

Mail 

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Granite City Business License

Agency:Granite City Building & Zoning Department (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

General Business License Application Packet

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

See fee schedule here

Registration Renewal

Form:

General Business License Application Packet

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

See fee schedule here

Due:

Annually by December 31

Village of Hoffman Estates Business License

Agency:Village of Hoffman Estates Village Clerk's Office (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fees are determined by business type. See fee schedule. 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type. See fee schedule. 

Due:

Annually by April 30. 

City of Kankakee Business License

Agency:City of Kankakee City Clerk's Office
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$100

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)/List of Officers
  • Copy of current Illinois Retailers Occupation Tax ID Number
  • Copy of current Fire Inspection Report 
  • Copy of current Proof of Insurance coverage on building showing the policy period
  • Copy of current State License
  • Copy of current Kankakee County Health Department License (if applicable)
  • Copy of State of Illinois Tobacco Certificate

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

$100

Due:

Annually by April 30. 

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)/List of Officers
  • Copy of current Illinois Retailers Occupation Tax ID Number
  • Copy of current Fire Inspection Report
  • Copy of current Proof of Insurance coverage on building showing the policy period
  • Copy of current State License
  • Copy of current Kankakee County Health Department License (if applicable)
  • Copy of State of Illinois Tobacco Certificate

Village of New Lenox Business License

Agency:Village of New Lenox (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

New Business Registration Form

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$50

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Business Registration Form

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by October 31. 

Village of Niles Business License

Agency:Village of Niles - Community Development Department - Business License Division (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or fax

Agency Fee:

$25 application fee + additional fees that vary based on nature of the business and gross floor area in square feet

Required Attachments:
  • Occupancy Permit, if applicable

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or fax

Agency Fee:

Fees vary based on the nature of the business and gross floor area in square feet

Due:

Annually by April 30

Notes:

Renewal notices and instrucitons are mailed out prior to the expiration of the license

City of O'Fallon Business Registration

Agency:City of O'Fallon City Clerk's Office (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail 

Agency Fee:

$25

Required Attachments:
  • Business Start Date
  • IL Department of Revenue Sales Tax #
  • List & Attach any Federal, State, or County Licenses/Certificates
  • Type of Business
  • Number and/or part-time/full-time employees
  • List any toxic, flammable, hazardous materials stored in the business
  • Three emergency contacts
  • Note if a fire alarm is installed; if so, the name of the company/address/phone number.
  • Note if there are any safes, wi-fi, or surveillance cameras and where they cover. The retention period and if there is a live view must be noted

Registration Renewal

Form:

 

Instructions:

Renewal code will be mailed to client one month before expiration.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.

Required Attachments:
  • Business Start Date
  • IL Department of Revenue Sales Tax #
  • List & Attach any Federal, State, or County Licenses/Certificates
  • Type of Business
  • Number and/or part-time/full-time employees
  • List any toxic, flammable, hazardous materials stored in the business
  • Three emergency contacts
  • Note if a fire alarm is installed; if so, the name of the company/address/phone number.
  • Note if there are any safes, wi-fi, or surveillance cameras and where they cover. The retention period and if there is a live view must be noted

City of Orland Park Business License

Agency:City of Orland Park Development Services Department (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Email developmentservices@orlandpark.org

Agency Fee:

Fees are determined by business type. See fee schedule. 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Application 

Filing Method:

Email developmentservices@orlandpark.org

Agency Fee:

Fee determined by business type. See fee schedule. 

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Village of Oswego Business Registration

Agency:Village of Oswego (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Registration Application (online) 

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Home Fee = $25, Commercial Fee = $50, Not-For Profit = $0

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Registration Renewal Application (online)

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Home Fee= $25, Commercial Fee= $50, Not-For-Profit Fee= $0

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Penalties:

$55 fine. 

City of Rock Island Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the City level in Rock Island.

Village of Schaumburg Business License

Agency:Village of Schaumburg Finance Department (IL)
Law:

Title 11, Chapter 110 of the Village Code

Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Determined by business type. See fee schedule. 

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

Determined by business type. See fee schedule. 

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Springfield General Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the City level in Springfield.

Springfield does not have a general business license requirement.

Village of Stickney Business License

Agency:Village of Stickney - Village Clerk's Office
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Notes:

Business Licenses are only required for commercial establishments with buildings or premises in the village.

Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

Fee varies based on the nature and size of the business

Required Attachments:
  • Copy of Tax Registration
  • Valid Driver's License

Registration Renewal

Agency Fee:

Fee varies based on the nature and size of the business

Due:

Annually by December 31

Notes:

Renewal notices with instructions are mailed out in October

Village of Streamwood Business License

Agency:Village of Streamwood Village Clerk's Office (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Form:

Business License Registration Application 

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

Determined by business type. 

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business License Registration Application (Renewal)

Agency Fee:

Determined by business type. 

Due:

Annually by December 31. 

Cook County General Business License

Agency:Cook County - Department of Revenue (IL)
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:No
Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required?No

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$40

Due:

Biennially by the last day of February in odd-numbered years.

Kendall County Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the County level in Kendall County.

Rock Island County Business License

Not required



General Business License licensure is not required on the County level in Rock Island County.

Learn about general business licensing requirements in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
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Revised August 27, 2025. Complete data last reviewed August 04, 2017.