Contractor License Requirements in Illinois

Illinois does not require a state-level general contractor license. However, certain specialty trades such as electricians and plumbers must be licensed. Many local jurisdictions in Illinois have their own contractor registration and licensing requirements that may be more stringent than state-level regulations. Illinois does not require a general contractor license at the state level. However, roofing contractors must be licensed statewide, and electricians and plumbers need state licenses. Chicago and many other municipalities have their own contractor licensing requirements that are often more stringent than state requirements.

Important

Never hire a contractor who cannot provide a valid license number. A legitimate contractor will have no hesitation sharing their license credentials for you to verify independently. If a contractor refuses, discourages you from checking, or makes excuses, treat that as a serious red flag.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

Search by: License number, Last name, Business name, City

Follow these steps to verify a contractor's license in Illinois:

1. 1
   Understand what Illinois licenses at the state levelIllinois does not require a statewide general contractor license. The state licenses roofing contractors, electricians, and plumbers. For other trades, check your city or county requirements -- Chicago in particular has extensive local licensing.
2. 2
   Search the IDFPR license lookupVisit the Illinois IDFPR online license lookup. Select the profession type (Roofing Contractor, Electrician, or Plumber) and enter the contractor's name, license number, or city.
3. 3
   Verify the license statusConfirm the license shows an "Active" status with a current expiration date. Check that the license type matches the work being performed. A roofing license does not authorize electrical or plumbing work.
4. 4
   Check Chicago-specific requirementsIf your project is in Chicago, the contractor likely needs a City of Chicago license in addition to any state license. Check the Chicago Department of Buildings for general contractor, electrical, and plumbing licenses.
5. 5
   Request insurance documentationAsk the contractor for a certificate of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Illinois requires roofing contractors to carry specific insurance levels, but other trades may not have state-mandated minimums. Verify the certificate is current.

What to Look for in Verification Results

• License status must be "Active" with a valid expiration date
• For roofing contractors, verify proof of insurance is on file with the state
• Check for any disciplinary actions or sanctions
• Verify local licensing if your project is in Chicago or other major cities
• Confirm the license classification matches your project type
• Request proof of workers' compensation insurance directly from the contractor

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in Illinois carries significant risks for both the homeowner and the contractor:

• No consumer protections: State recovery funds and guaranty programs typically only cover work performed by licensed contractors.
• Insurance issues: Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to work done by an unlicensed contractor.
• Permit problems: Building permits often require a valid contractor license. Work done without permits can create issues when selling your property.
• Quality concerns: Licensed contractors have demonstrated minimum competency through exams, experience requirements, or both.
• Legal liability: Homeowners may bear greater legal responsibility for injuries or property damage caused during unlicensed work.

Illinois does not currently have reciprocal contractor licensing agreements with other states. Contractors licensed in other states must apply for a new Illinois license through the standard application process. Some states may credit out-of-state experience toward licensing requirements -- contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for details.