Chicago General Contractor License (2026): Cost, Exam & Requirements
Chicago licenses general contractors in five value-based classes (A–E). There is no exam — it is a business license requiring a statement of financial solvency and class-based insurance. A homeowner is exempt from the GC license for work on their own primary residence if the building is ≤3 stories, has ≤6 dwelling units, and has no nonresidential occupancy (one property per calendar year).
General Contractor License
Issued by City of Chicago Department of Buildings (applications processed by Continental Testing Services) · (800) 359-1313
Classes
| Class | Scope / limit | License fee | General liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class EResidential | ≤ $500,000 project value; no demolition | $300 | $1 million per occurrence |
| Class A | unlimited project value; ordinary or complex demolition | $3,500 | $5 million per occurrence |
| Class B | ≤ $20 million project value; ordinary or complex demolition | $1,800 | $3 million per occurrence |
| Class C | ≤ $10 million project value; ordinary demolition | $1,300 | $2 million per occurrence |
| Class D | ≤ $4 million project value; ordinary demolition | $900 | $2 million per occurrence |
Fees
- Reinstatement (per year or fraction expired)$100
- Administrative processing (license modification)$50
- Replacement document$50
- License verification$50
Exam: Not required. No exam. Continental Testing Services processes applications and renewals by mail on behalf of the Department of Buildings.
Experience: Not required. No experience requirement; a statement of financial solvency (part of the application) is required instead.
Bond: No surety bond required. No surety bond among the listed application requirements: completed application, statement of financial solvency, proof of Illinois business authorization, assumed-name certificate (if applicable), proof of class-based insurance, certification the insurer is rated B+ or better, and photo IDs. Source
Insurance: General liability: Per class, per occurrence — Class A $5M / B $3M / C $2M / D $2M / E $1M (C & D raised to $2M effective 2026-01-01). Commercial general liability from an Illinois-authorized insurer rated B+ or higher (A.M. Best), covering bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, and completed operations. The license is automatically inactivated if the policy on file expires. Per Municipal Code §4-36-090. Source
Five value-based classes A–E. CY2026 fees (first increase since 2003; CPI-indexed annually from 2027). Project limits for Classes B/C/D doubled in 2026 (A unlimited, E unchanged at $500K). Demolition scope varies by class. Issued to businesses incl. sole proprietorships. Municipal Code of Chicago, Chapter 4-36.
How to get licensed in Chicago
- Identify the license class that matches your project size and scope (see the class table above).
- Obtain the required insurance coverage and provide a certificate.
- Submit your application and fees to City of Chicago Department of Buildings (applications processed by Continental Testing Services).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a general contractor license in Chicago?
Chicago licenses general contractors in five value-based classes (A–E). There is no exam — it is a business license requiring a statement of financial solvency and class-based insurance. A homeowner is exempt from the GC license for work on their own primary residence if the building is ≤3 stories, has ≤6 dwelling units, and has no nonresidential occupancy (one property per calendar year).
Is an exam required for a Chicago contractor license?
No, Chicago does not require an exam for this license.
Do I need a bond for a Chicago contractor license?
No. Chicago does not require a surety bond for this license.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in Illinois— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Sources
- GC license detail page (FAQ: fees, classes, insurance, requirements) (2026-01-06)
- 2026 changes announcement letter (2026-01-06)
Related pages
Last verified 2026-06-10 · Operator-verified