If you’re wondering “how do I get a general contractor's license in Illinois,” you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of the requirements, the Illinois general contractor license application, and everything you need to know for how to get a general contractor license in Illinois. We'll also cover the Illinois general contractor license test and other important details. By the end of this post, you'll have all the information you need to take the next steps towards getting your license.

Does Illinois Require A Contractor's License?

The answer is yes, however, Illinois does not provide state-level oversight for general contractors or electrical licenses. The majority of construction licensing is managed at the local level by cities or counties. The only exception to this is the issuance of an Illinois roofing license, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

How To Get A General Contractor License In Illinois

Since there is no state-level supervision for general contractors licenses in Illinois,, we will delve into the licensing requirements for general contractors in the three most populous cities in Illinois.  However, it’s imperative to contact the respective city or municipal authorities before commencing any construction projects to ensure that your business fully complies with local regulations.

Chicago, IL

The city of Chicago mandates licenses and registrations for various contractors, including general contractors, supervising electricians, brick masons, private alarm contractors, and more.

1. Types of Licenses and Registration: Contractor licensing is overseen by the Chicago Department of Buildings.

2. General Contractor Licenses in Chicago: Chicago offers five types of general contractor licenses, each with project size limits and associated annual fees:

• Class A - No Limit / $2,000 Annual Fee
• Class B - $10,000,000 / $1,000 Annual Fee
• Class C - $5,000,000 / $750 Annual Fee
• Class D - $2,000,000 / $500 Annual Fee
• Class E - $500,000 / $300 Annual Fee

3. Application Requirements for General Contractors:

• General contractors must provide information on their business structure.
• Proof of general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance is also required during the application process.

4. Examination and Renewal Processes:

• The application, examination, and renewal processes are managed by Continental Testing Services, a private testing company.
• This company is responsible for conducting tests for various trades, including stationary engineers, brick masons, supervising electricians, crane operators, concrete masons, and more.

5. Additional Information:

• For a comprehensive list of Chicago contractor requirements by trade, refer to Continental Testing Service's official documentation.

Joliet, IL

Joliet, IL

Joliet's contractor registration procedure is straightforward and streamlined, making it relatively simple to get started in the contracting industry within the city.

1. Contractor Registration: To operate as a contractor in Joliet, you must complete the registration process with the Building and Inspectional Services Division.

2. Insurance Requirements:

• Contractors working in Joliet must furnish a certificate of insurance for a general liability policy, with the City of Joliet named as the certificate holder.
• Minimum insurance amounts include:
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3. Trade-Specific Insurance Requirements:

• Depending on the nature of your contracting work, there are additional insurance requirements, such as:
• Contractors working in the Public Right-of-Way: $10,000 Street Obstruction Bond
• Demolition Contractors (involved in structure demolition): $50,000 Wrecking Bond
• Plumbing Contractors: Illinois State Plumbing License (055 #)
• Electrical Contractors: City of Joliet Electrical License or a license from another municipality
• HVAC Contractors: City of Joliet or another municipality HVAC/Business License
• Roofing Contractors: Illinois State Roofing License
• Siding Contractors: VSI (Vinyl Siding Institute) Certificate

4. Licensing for Roofers and Plumbers: It's important to note that Joliet requires roofers and plumbers to hold the appropriate state licenses.

5. Letter of Intent Requirement (Effective January 1, 2023): Starting from January 1, 2023, all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors listed on a project must submit a Letter of Intent to the Building and Inspectional Services Division.

Aurora, IL

The City of Aurora mandates that most contractors must either hold a license or register with the city.

1. Licensing and Registration Overview: The Department of Buildings & Permits oversees the licensing process.

2. Specific Trades and Applications:

• Depending on the nature of your contracting work, you will need to complete the following applications:
• General Contractor, Signage, HVAC, Electrical contractors: License application
• Plumbing or Fire Alarm contractors: Registration application
• Fence or Pavement (private property only) contractors: Registration application
• Pavement (including aprons and right of way) contractors: Registration application

3. Insurance Requirements and Application Fees: Each trade may have distinct insurance prerequisites and application fees. However, for general contractors, HVAC, electrical, and roofing contractors, the license application fee is typically $200.

Illinois General Contractor License Test

Testing is different in each city, however, it’s an important step in the licensing process. You may be wondering, "How do I get prepared for the test?" Well, there are several resources available to help you study, such as study guides, online practice exams, and even preparation courses. Below are a few tips for passing these tests

Tips for Passing the Licensing Test

1. Study the exam content: Familiarize yourself with the topics that will be covered in the exam. Focus on areas such as building codes, construction law, safety regulations, and project management.

2. Utilize study resources: Take advantage of study resources such as textbooks, online courses, and study guides. These materials can provide additional information and reinforce key concepts.

3. Manage your time: Time management is essential during the exam. Practice answering questions within the allocated time limit to improve your pacing skills and reduce the risk of leaving questions unanswered.

Penalties for Unlicensed Contractors in Illinois

Illinois imposes strict penalties on unlicensed plumbing and roofing contractors, with significant fines for those who engage in contracting work without the required licenses.

For plumbers, a first offense can lead to a $1,000 fine, but this is applicable only if there are no violations of the Illinois Plumbing Code identified. In case of violations, the initial offense may result in a more substantial $3,000 fine. A second offense could incur a $3,000 fine, and subsequent violations may lead to penalties amounting to $5,000.

The consequences for unlicensed roofing work are equally severe. Each offense can result in fines of up to $5,000.

Furthermore, individual municipalities have the authority to establish their own fines and penalties, making it imperative to operate within the boundaries of the law and adhere to all regulations and licensing requirements to avoid potential financial penalties and legal consequences.

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know how to get a general contractor license in Illinois it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.