Illinois takes a unique approach to contractor licensing. Unlike most states, Illinois does not issue a state-level general contractor license. If you are a general contractor, your licensing requirements are determined entirely by the city or county where you work. However, the state does regulate two specific trades at the state level: roofing contractors through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and plumbers through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Electrical, HVAC, and other specialty trades are regulated at the local level by individual municipalities. Chicago, as the state's largest city, operates one of the most comprehensive local licensing systems in the country, with its own classes of general contractor licenses, electrical licenses, and plumbing requirements that go beyond state mandates.
This guide covers everything you need to know about contractor licensing in Illinois: state-level roofing and plumbing licenses, major local licensing systems (with Chicago as the primary example), insurance and bond requirements, fees, renewal processes, and the penalties for working without proper credentials.
Illinois Licensing Structure Overview
Understanding who regulates what in Illinois is the first step. Here is how the system breaks down:
State-Level Licensing
Only two contractor trades are licensed at the state level:
- Roofing Contractors — Licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335).
- Plumbers, Plumbing Contractors, and Irrigation Contractors — Licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320).
Local-Level Licensing
Everything else — general contractors, electrical contractors, HVAC contractors, and most specialty trades — is regulated by individual cities and counties. This means requirements, fees, and processes vary significantly depending on where you work. Major municipalities with their own contractor licensing systems include:
- City of Chicago — Department of Buildings
- Cook County — Department of Building and Zoning
- Springfield, Peoria, Rockford, Naperville — Each with their own systems
State-Level Business Requirements
Regardless of your trade, all Illinois contractors must:
- Register their business with the Illinois Secretary of State (if an LLC, corporation, or partnership)
- Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue for tax purposes
- Comply with the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) for residential work
Types of Contractor Licenses
State-Level Roofing Licenses (IDFPR)
The IDFPR issues two types of roofing contractor licenses:
| License Type | Scope of Work | Bond Required |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Roofing License | Residential properties with 8 units or fewer | $10,000 |
| Unlimited Roofing License | Residential, commercial, and industrial properties — no restrictions | $25,000 |
Every roofing contractor must designate a qualifying party — an individual who is legally qualified to act for the business, has authority to supervise roofing operations, and is actively engaged in day-to-day activities. The qualifying party must pass the state roofing examination.
State-Level Plumbing Licenses (IDPH)
The IDPH issues several categories of plumbing credentials:
- Apprentice Plumber License — Entry-level license; must be at least 16 years old with sponsorship from a licensed plumber or approved program. Maximum apprenticeship period is 6 years.
- Plumber License — Full journeyman license obtained after passing the state exam.
- Plumbing Contractor Registration — Required for any plumber or plumbing company that performs work for others. Annual registration with the IDPH.
- Irrigation Contractor Registration — Required for contractors who install or supervise lawn sprinkler/irrigation systems.
- Retired Plumber License — For licensed plumbers age 62 or older (or physically unable to practice) who voluntarily surrender their active license.
Chicago General Contractor Licenses
The City of Chicago Department of Buildings issues five classes of general contractor licenses, updated for 2026:
| Class | Project Limit | Annual Fee (2026) | Insurance Per Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Unlimited | $2,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Class B | Up to $10,000,000 | $1,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Class C | Up to $5,000,000 | $750 | $2,000,000 |
| Class D | Up to $2,000,000 | $500 | $2,000,000 |
| Class E | Up to $500,000 | $300 | $1,000,000 |
Note: The 2026 fee schedule represents the first increase since 2003. Starting in 2027, fees will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Project limits for Classes B, C, and D doubled in 2026, and Classes C and D now require $2 million coverage per occurrence.
Chicago Electrical Contractor Licenses
Chicago issues two types of electrical contractor licenses:
- General Electrical Contractor — Allows any type of electrical work.
- Low Voltage Electrical Contractor — Limited to Class 1, 2, and 3 remote-control, signaling, power-limited circuits, and communications circuits.
Both types require the business to employ at least one licensed supervising electrician. All electrical work must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed supervising electrician.
Roofing Contractor License Requirements
All roofing contractor licenses in Illinois are issued by the IDFPR. Here is what you need:
Qualifying Party Requirements
- Must be legally qualified to act for the business in all matters connected with roofing contracting
- Must have authority to supervise roofing installation operations
- Must be actively engaged in day-to-day activities of the business
- Must pass the qualifying party examination within 3 years of the application date
Application Requirements
To apply for a roofing contractor license, submit the following to the IDFPR:
- Completed Roofing Contractor Licensure application
- Qualifying Party Designation form
- Proof of surety bond ($10,000 for Limited; $25,000 for Unlimited)
- Proof of general liability insurance ($250,000 property damage; $500,000 liability)
- Proof of workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees)
- Application fee of $125
Applications can be submitted through the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
Insurance Requirements for Roofing
- General Liability: $250,000 property damage and $500,000 liability coverage
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees
Plumbing License Requirements
Apprentice Plumber
- Minimum age: 16 years old
- Must secure sponsorship from an Illinois licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program
- Submit the Apprentice Plumber's License Application with proof of sponsorship
- Application fee: $100
- Maximum apprenticeship period: 6 years
- Sponsors must file a Notice of Cancellation of Employment/Supervision within 15 days when supervision ends
Plumber (Journeyman) License
- Experience: Minimum 4 years of employment as a licensed apprentice plumber
- Education: At least 2 years of high school (or equivalent), plus completion of an approved course of instruction through a college, university, or trade school
- Exam: Must pass the state plumbing examination administered by the Illinois Plumbing Examiners Board
- Passing score: At least 61% on each section and 75% overall
- Application: Submit the Plumber's License: Application for Examination at least 30 days before the exam date
Plumbing Contractor Registration
Any licensed plumber performing work for others must register annually as a plumbing contractor with the IDPH:
- Submit the Plumbing Contractors Application for Registration
- Annual registration fee: $150 (non-refundable)
- Registration expires September 30 each year
- Must maintain a $20,000 surety bond
- Must carry insurance (see Insurance and Bond Requirements)
Advertising Requirement
All advertisements for plumbing services must include the plumbing license number. Violations constitute a Class A misdemeanor with a potential $1,000 fine and possible license suspension or revocation.
Local Licensing: Chicago and Beyond
City of Chicago
Chicago operates one of the most extensive local contractor licensing systems in Illinois. The Department of Buildings oversees general contractor, electrical contractor, plumbing, and many other trade licenses. Applications and renewals are processed through Continental Testing Services.
General Contractor License (Chicago):
- Five classes (A through E) based on project value limits
- Must disclose business structure
- Must provide proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance
- Completed applications mailed to: City of Chicago, General Contractor License, P.O. Box 388249, Chicago, IL 60638
Electrical Contractor License (Chicago):
- Must employ at least one licensed supervising electrician
- Supervising electricians need at least 2 years of experience installing, altering, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems under direct supervision of a supervising electrician
- Applications processed through Continental Testing Services
Cook County (Unincorporated Areas)
Contractors working in unincorporated Cook County must register with the Department of Building and Zoning:
- Registration fee: $150 per trade
- Renewal fee: $75 per trade
- Minimum $1,000,000 general liability insurance required
- Must name Cook County Building and Zoning as Certificate Holder
- Declaration of Child Support Obligations form required
- Applications submitted by email to cr.BNZ@cookcountyil.gov
- Verify registered contractors at the Cook County Registered Contractors Search
Other Municipalities
Most Illinois cities and villages with populations over a few thousand have their own contractor registration or licensing requirements. Before starting work in any municipality, contact the local building department to confirm what licenses, registrations, and permits are required. Requirements vary widely — some towns require exams, others only require proof of insurance and a registration fee.
Examination Requirements
Roofing Contractor Qualifying Party Exam
- Administered by: Continental Testing Services — call 1-800-560-6420 to schedule
- Exam fee: $248
- Passing score: 70%
- Two exams available: Limited (residential) and Unlimited (all property types)
- Deadline: Qualifying party must pass within 3 years of application date
- Study resources: Exam prep courses are available through providers such as the Illinois Roofing Institute, Exam Prep School of Illinois, and the Contractors Network & Training Center
Plumber License Exam
- Administered by: Illinois Plumbing Examiners Board (through IDPH)
- Exam fee: $175 for in-state applicants; $225 for Chicago and out-of-state applicants
- Retake fee: $175
- Passing score: 61% minimum on each section, 75% overall
- Application deadline: Submit exam application at least 30 days before the exam date
Chicago General Contractor Exam
Chicago requires general contractor license applicants to pass an examination administered by Continental Testing Services. Contact Continental Testing for exam scheduling, fees, and study materials.
License Fees and Costs
State Roofing License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $125 |
| Qualifying Party exam fee | $248 |
| Biennial renewal fee | $62.50 |
| Surety bond (Limited license) | $10,000 |
| Surety bond (Unlimited license) | $25,000 |
State Plumbing License Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apprentice license application | $100 |
| Plumber exam fee (in-state) | $175 |
| Plumber exam fee (Chicago / out-of-state) | $225 |
| Exam retake fee | $175 |
| Plumbing contractor annual registration | $150 |
| Plumbing contractor surety bond | $20,000 |
Chicago General Contractor License Fees (2026)
| License Class | Annual Fee | Project Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | $2,000 | Unlimited |
| Class B | $1,000 | Up to $10,000,000 |
| Class C | $750 | Up to $5,000,000 |
| Class D | $500 | Up to $2,000,000 |
| Class E | $300 | Up to $500,000 |
Cook County Contractor Registration Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial registration (per trade) | $150 |
| Renewal (per trade) | $75 |
Insurance and Bond Requirements
Insurance and bond requirements in Illinois vary by license type and jurisdiction. Here is a breakdown of the key requirements:
State Roofing Contractor Insurance
| Requirement | Limited License | Unlimited License |
|---|---|---|
| Property damage insurance | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Liability insurance | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Workers' compensation | Required (if employees) | Required (if employees) |
| Surety bond | $10,000 | $25,000 |
State Plumbing Contractor Insurance
| Requirement | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| General liability | $100,000 |
| Bodily injury | $300,000 |
| Property damage (per occurrence) | $50,000 |
| Workers' compensation (if employees) | $500,000 |
| Surety bond | $20,000 |
Chicago General Contractor Insurance (2026)
| License Class | Minimum Per Occurrence |
|---|---|
| Class A | $5,000,000 (primary or umbrella) |
| Class B | $3,000,000 (primary or umbrella) |
| Class C | $2,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Class D | $2,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate |
| Class E | $1,000,000 |
All Chicago general contractors must also carry workers' compensation insurance.
Cook County Insurance
Minimum $1,000,000 in general liability insurance is required. Cook County Building and Zoning must be named as the Certificate Holder.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Roofing Contractor License Renewal
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (biennial)
- Expiration: December 31 of every odd-numbered year
- Renewal fee: $62.50
- Continuing education: Not required for roofing license renewal
- Renewal requirements: Submit a certifying statement confirming continued compliance with bonding and insurance requirements, and name the designated qualifying party
- How to renew: Through the IDFPR Online Renewal Portal
- Lapsed licenses: Reactivation options are available through IDFPR for expired licenses
Plumber License Renewal
- Renewal deadline: April 30 following issuance
- Continuing education: 4 hours annually from IDPH-approved course sponsors
- CE course listings: Available through data.illinois.gov (search for IDPH plumbing CE courses)
- Child support certification: Required for all applicants regardless of parental status
- How to renew: Online through the IDPH plumbing license renewal portal
Plumbing Contractor Registration Renewal
- Renewal cycle: Annual
- Expiration: September 30 each year
- Renewal fee: $150
- Requirements: Continued compliance with insurance and bonding requirements
Chicago License Renewals
Chicago general contractor licenses are renewed annually. Renewals are processed through Continental Testing Services. Starting in 2027, renewal fees will adjust annually based on the CPI.
Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act
Even though Illinois does not require a state-level general contractor license, the Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) imposes requirements on all contractors performing residential work. Every contractor doing home repair or remodeling in Illinois must comply with these rules:
Written Contract Requirement
For any home repair or remodeling work exceeding $1,000, you must provide the homeowner with a signed written contract before beginning work. The contract must include:
- Total cost of the work
- Description of materials and parts
- Any charges for estimates
- Contact information for the person or company performing the work
Consumer Rights Pamphlet
Before the homeowner signs any contract exceeding $1,000, you must provide them with a copy of the "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights" pamphlet.
Dispute Resolution Disclosure
If your contract requires arbitration or waives the right to a jury trial, you must disclose this to the homeowner before the contract is signed.
Insurance
The Act requires contractors to carry public liability and property damage insurance for residential work.
How to Verify a Contractor's License
Before hiring a contractor — or to verify your own license status — use these official lookup tools:
Roofing Contractors (IDFPR)
Use the IDFPR License Lookup tool to verify any roofing contractor's license status:
- Online: IDFPR License Lookup
- Main page: idfpr.illinois.gov/checklicense.html
- Data is updated instantly and considered primary source verification
Plumbers and Plumbing Contractors (IDPH)
The IDPH provides a plumber license verification tool through their website:
- Online: Visit IDPH Plumbing page and select the license verification link
Chicago Contractors
- Electrical contractors: Chicago Licensed Electrical Contractors Search
- General contractors: Contact the Chicago Department of Buildings at 312-744-3449
Cook County Contractors
Contact Information
| Agency | Phone | Address |
|---|---|---|
| IDFPR (Roofing) | 1-888-473-4858 | Chicago: 555 W. Monroe St., 5th Floor Springfield: 320 W. Washington St., 3rd Floor |
| IDPH (Plumbing) | 217-782-4977 | 122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1715, Chicago, IL |
| Chicago Dept. of Buildings | 312-744-3449 | 2 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60602 |
Penalties for Working Without a License
Unlicensed Roofing Work (225 ILCS 335)
The penalties for performing roofing work without an IDFPR license are severe and escalate with repeat offenses:
Criminal Penalties:
- First offense: Class A misdemeanor — fine up to $2,500
- Second or subsequent offense: Class 4 felony — fine up to $25,000
- Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense
Civil Penalties:
- Up to $15,000 per offense assessed by the IDFPR after a hearing
Advertising Violations:
- Failing to display a license number in advertising, providing a false license number, or failing to provide the correct number to a publisher: Class A misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine, plus administrative enforcement
Unlicensed Plumbing Work (225 ILCS 320)
Performing plumbing work without a license — or advertising plumbing services without displaying a license number — is a Class A misdemeanor with a potential fine of $1,000 and possible license suspension or revocation.
Local Penalties
Municipalities enforce their own penalties for unlicensed work. In Chicago, working without the required license can result in stop-work orders, fines, and potential criminal charges depending on the nature and scope of the violation. Check with your local building department for specific penalty schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state license to be a general contractor in Illinois?
No. Illinois does not issue a state-level general contractor license. General contractor licensing is handled by individual cities and counties. You must check with the specific municipality where you plan to work to determine their requirements. Many towns require a local registration or license, proof of insurance, and sometimes an exam.
What trades require a state license in Illinois?
Only two trades are licensed at the state level: roofing contractors (through the IDFPR) and plumbers/plumbing contractors (through the IDPH). Electricians, HVAC technicians, and other trades are regulated at the local level.
Do I need an EPA Section 608 certification to do HVAC work in Illinois?
Yes. While Illinois does not have a state-level HVAC license, federal law requires anyone working with refrigerants to hold an EPA Section 608 certification. This applies throughout Illinois regardless of local licensing requirements. Many municipalities also have their own HVAC licensing or registration requirements.
How often do I renew my Illinois roofing license?
Roofing licenses are renewed every 2 years (biennially) and expire on December 31 of every odd-numbered year. The renewal fee is $62.50. No continuing education is required for renewal — you just need to certify continued compliance with bonding and insurance requirements.
Can I work in multiple Illinois cities with one license?
For state-level licenses (roofing and plumbing), yes — your license is valid statewide. However, many municipalities still require a separate local registration, permit, or license even if you hold a state license. For general contracting and other trades licensed only at the local level, you will need a separate license or registration for each municipality that requires one.
What is the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act, and does it apply to me?
The Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) applies to any person engaged in home repair or remodeling in Illinois. For jobs over $1,000, you must provide a written contract and give the homeowner the "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights" pamphlet before work begins. This applies to all residential contractors regardless of whether your trade requires a state license.
Conclusion
Illinois's contractor licensing system is decentralized by design. For general contractors and most specialty trades, the regulatory authority lies with individual cities and counties — which means you need to research each jurisdiction where you plan to work. For roofers and plumbers, the state provides a clear, centralized licensing path through the IDFPR and IDPH respectively.
Regardless of your trade, make sure you comply with the Home Repair and Remodeling Act for residential work, carry adequate insurance, and register with every municipality where you perform work. The penalties for unlicensed roofing or plumbing work — including fines up to $25,000 and potential felony charges — make compliance well worth the investment.
If you need to verify a contractor's credentials or look up your own license status, use the IDFPR License Lookup for roofing or the IDPH verification portal for plumbing. For local licenses, contact the relevant municipal building department directly.