General Contractor License Requirements in Illinois
No Statewide License Required
Illinois does not require a statewide general contractor license. Illinois general contractor licensing is entirely local. Chicago has 5 license classes: Class A ($2,000 fee, unlimited project value, $5M GL per occurrence), Class B ($1,000, up to $10M projects, $3M GL), Class C ($750, up to $5M projects, $1M/$2M GL). Chicago also requires a $10,000 surety bond, $500,000 auto liability, and a proctored exam. Cook County requires contractor registration. Other municipalities (Springfield, Peoria, Naperville, etc.) have their own requirements — always check your local building department.
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.
Trades that DO require a state license in Illinois:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not require a statewide general contractor license. However, local permits or registrations may be required.
How much does a general contractor license cost in Illinois?
There is no statewide license fee for general contractors in Illinois. Local registration fees may apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: No state licensing authority (local jurisdictions only)