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Illinois has no state general contractor license

Illinois does not issue a state license for general contractors.1 Cities and counties set their own rules; this page lists what Joliet and Rockford require.

Last checked · 9 official sources

On this page
  1. Is there a Illinois general contractor license?
  2. City and county licenses
  3. Other rules for general contractors in Illinois
  4. Laws and rules
  5. Rule changes since January 2024
  6. General contractor licenses in other states

Is there a Illinois general contractor license?

No. Illinois does not license general contractors at the state level.1

  • The Home Repair and Remodeling Act excludes maintenance, service or repairs under $500.2
The official wording

“General contractors are not required to be licensed or certified; however, they may need to obtain a permit from the municipality in which they are to provide contracting services.”1

Illinois Attorney General

City and county licenses

Illinois leaves general contractors to municipalities, and rules differ widely. Chicago runs a classed license, Joliet requires city registration, and Rockford says no license is needed. Roofers and plumbers need state licenses statewide.1

City or countyWhat it requiresLink
JolietAll contractors must have a current city registration on file before a permit is issued. No forms or fee, except sign erectors and HVAC testing.3Official page3
RockfordGeneral contractors do not need a city license. The building permit form still asks for general contractor details, and mechanical contractors need a city license.4Official page4

Other rules for general contractors in Illinois

Insurance
Anyone in the home repair and remodeling business must carry public liability and property damage insurance: $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $50,000 per occurrence for property damage, plus $10,000 per occurrence for work not meeting codes, unless net worth is at least $1,000,000.5
Also required
Home repair work over $1,000 needs a written contract or work order stating the total cost and business name and address.6
Also required
Home repair contractors must give every customer the “Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights” pamphlet, with a signed acknowledgment on contracts over $1,000.7
Also required
Roofers are licensed by IDFPR and plumbers by IDPH, even though general contractors are not licensed by the state.1

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • September 28, 2026: Chicago issued its 2027 trade license fees, effective January 1, 2027. Class A, B, C and E general contractor fees rise; Class D stays at $900.8
  • January 6, 2026: Chicago raised Class A to D fees, doubled Class B to D project limits and raised Class C and D insurance to $2 million.9

General contractor licenses in other states

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. illinoisattorneygeneral.govIllinois Attorney GeneralChecked November 5, 2026
  2. 815 ILCS 513/10Illinois General AssemblyChecked November 5, 2026
  3. joliet.govCity of JolietChecked November 5, 2026
  4. rockfordil.govCity of RockfordChecked November 5, 2026
  5. 815 ILCS 513/25Illinois General AssemblyChecked November 5, 2026
  6. 815 ILCS 513/15Illinois General AssemblyChecked November 5, 2026
  7. 815 ILCS 513/20Illinois General AssemblyChecked November 5, 2026
  8. Trade License Fees Effective January 1, 2027City of Chicago Department of BuildingsDated September 28, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  9. chicago.govCity of Chicago Department of BuildingsChecked November 5, 2026