Illinois Contractor & Trade License Requirements
Illinois does NOT have a statewide general contractor license — licensing is handled at the city/county level (e.g., Chicago Department of Buildings). However, Illinois is unique in requiring statewide roofing contractor licensing under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act (administered by IDFPR). Plumbers are licensed statewide through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Electricians and HVAC technicians have no statewide license; both are regulated locally. Federal EPA 608 certification is required for HVAC refrigerant work.
General Contractor
Not requiredElectrician
Not requiredPlumber
RequiredHVAC Technician
Not requiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredIllinois Licensing Overview
Illinois requires statewide licensing for 2 of 5 contractor trades. The licensed trades — plumber, roofing contractor — are regulated by 2 separate agencies: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). General Contractor and Electrician and HVAC Technician licensing is handled at the city and county level rather than statewide. Across all licensed trades, initial costs range from $351 to $500, including application fees, exams, and license issuance.
Illinois Contractor License Cost Summary
| Trade | Application | Exam | License | Bond | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Contractor | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Electrician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Plumber | $175 | $175 | $150 | $20,000 | $500 |
| HVAC Technician | Local — no statewide fees | ||||
| Roofing Contractor | $125 | $226 | — | $10,000 | $351 |
Estimated totals include application, exam, license, and fingerprinting fees. Bond amounts are separate and typically paid as an annual premium.
Key Facts About Illinois Contractor Licensing
- No state insurance mandate for general contractors. Workers comp is mandatory for any Illinois employer with even one employee — construction is classified as extra-hazardous so owners/officers cannot be exempted. Failure to carry workers comp can result in fines of $500/day with a $10,000 minimum. GL insurance amounts are set by local jurisdictions.
- Illinois does not require a statewide license for general contractor or electrician or hvac technicians. Local permits may still apply.
- Illinois is one of the states that does not require statewide general contractor licensing
- Chicago Department of Buildings is the largest local licensing authority: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs
- Cook County requires contractor registration through the Building and Zoning department
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois require a contractor license?
Yes, Illinois requires statewide licensing for 2 of 5 trades: plumber, roofing contractor. General Contractor and Electrician and HVAC Technician do not require a statewide license.
How much does a contractor license cost in Illinois?
Initial licensing costs range from $351 to $500 depending on the trade, including application, exam, and license fees.
Does Illinois have license reciprocity with other states?
Illinois does not currently have reciprocity agreements with other states. Contractors from other states must apply and meet the full requirements.
What trades require a state license in Illinois?
Illinois requires statewide licenses for: plumber, roofing contractor. General Contractor and Electrician and HVAC Technician licensing is handled at the local level.
Do I need workers compensation insurance in Illinois?
No state insurance mandate for general contractors. Workers comp is mandatory for any Illinois employer with even one employee — construction is classified as extra-hazardous so owners/officers cannot be exempted. Failure to carry workers comp can result in fines of $500/day with a $10,000 minimum. GL insurance amounts are set by local jurisdictions.
Official Illinois Licensing Resources
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — for plumber
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — for roofing contractor