Illinois Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide

Illinois regulates contractors through a mix of state-issued licenses and local city or county programs. State agencies oversee plumbing, roofing, water well and pump installation, fire sprinkler work, elevators, and asbestos abatement. Cities such as Chicago, Naperville, and Rock Island regulate local licenses or contractor registrations for trades like electrical, HVAC/mechanical, and general contracting.

This guide spotlights several common licenses and jurisdictions to help you get oriented; we update it periodically. You will find a dedicated State-Level Licenses section near the beginning, followed by per-trade sections that focus on local jurisdictions where applicable.

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Overview of Illinois Contractor Licensing

Illinois uses a dual system for contractor licensing. At the state level, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates plumbers, plumbing contractors, irrigation contractors, water well and pump installation contractors, and asbestos abatement contractors. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) licenses roofing contractors, and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) oversees fire sprinkler contractors as well as elevator contractors and mechanics.

At the local level, municipalities regulate several building trades and contractor business licenses. The City of Chicago Department of Buildings administers general contractor licensing and trade licenses for supervising electricians, electrical contractors, and plumbing contractors within city limits. Other cities—including Naperville and Rock Island—operate local electrical and HVAC/mechanical contractor registrations, respectively.

Because of this structure, you may need both a state credential and a local license or registration depending on the trade and where you work. State-level licenses are detailed in the next section. The per-trade sections highlight local programs for electrician, plumbing (local layer), HVAC, and general contracting.

Primary Licensing Authority

Multiple Authorities – See research notes

Verified local jurisdictions:

Browse all Illinois contractor license practice tests →

State-Level Licenses in Illinois

State-level licenses are issued or administered by Illinois agencies and apply statewide. In Illinois, these include plumbing-related credentials (IDPH), roofing contractor licenses (IDFPR), and a set of specialty licenses administered by IDPH and the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for wells, pumps, fire sprinkler contracting, and elevators, as well as asbestos abatement contracting.

Below are the principal state-level licenses grouped by trade. If you also work in a city with local licensing, plan on meeting both the state and municipal requirements.

State-Level Plumbing Licenses

Apprentice Plumber’s License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Plumbing Program — Program page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Age: Minimum 16.
  • Exam: Not required for apprentice registration.

Fees:

  • Application: $175
  • Late penalty: $100

Renewal: Annual.

Official source

Plumber’s License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Plumbing Program — Program page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Experience: At least four years employed as an Illinois-licensed apprentice plumber under supervision.
  • Education: Two years of high school or equivalent, plus approved plumbing coursework through a college, university, or trade school.
  • Exam: Required. File the application at least 30 days before the exam date using the Plumber’s License: Application for Examination form.

Fees:

  • Application: $175
  • Late penalty: $100

Renewal: Annual.

Exam application and details

Plumbing Contractor Registration

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Plumbing Program — Program page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Association: Business must have a licensed plumber of record; at least one licensed plumber must be associated with the entity.
  • Insurance: General liability with minimum $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury, plus property damage; workers’ compensation as required by statute.
  • Exam: Not required for contractor registration.

Fees:

  • Application: $150
  • Initial registration: $150
  • Renewal: $150 (annual)
  • Late penalty: $100

Renewal: Annual.

Official form and requirements

Irrigation Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Plumbing Program — Program page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Insurance: Liability and workers’ compensation coverage as required under the Illinois Plumbing License Law for contractors.
  • Exam: Not specified by IDPH program page for contractor credentialing.

Renewal: Annual.

Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health to confirm application fees, insurance minimums, and renewal details before applying.

Official source

Retired Plumber License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Plumbing Program — Program page

Eligibility and requirements: Available to individuals who have previously held a plumbing license and wish to retire from active practice.

Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health to confirm fees and renewal details before applying.

Official source

State-Level Roofing Licenses

Limited Roofing License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Roofing program

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Exam: Required for the qualifying party; technical portion covers current residential roofing practices and Illinois jurisprudence related to roofing practice.
  • Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation as required by the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act and IDFPR rules.

Fees: Application: $125.

Renewal: Biennial.

License definitions and application form

Unlimited Roofing License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Roofing program

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Exam: Required for the qualifying party; technical portion covers residential, commercial, and industrial roofing practices and Illinois jurisprudence.
  • Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation as required by the Act and IDFPR rules.

Fees: Application: $125.

Renewal: Biennial.

License definitions and application form

State-Level Specialty Licenses

Water Well Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Agency site

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Age: 18+
  • Experience: At least 2 years (420 working days) under a licensed contractor, plus prior well construction reports.
  • Exam: Required; written exam with parts on Well Construction Code/Act and well construction techniques; minimum passing score 70% on applicable parts.

Fees:

  • Application: $50
  • Examination: $50
  • Renewal: $25 (annual)

Renewal and CE: Annual; 6 hours continuing education covering well construction, pump installation, grouting, sampling, contamination control, and safety.

Code and Act (requirements and fees)

Water Well Pump Installation Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Agency site

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Age: 18+
  • Experience: Documented pump installation/repair experience under a licensed contractor, plus pump installation reports.
  • Exam: Required; written exam with parts on Pump Installation Code/Act and installation practices; 70% minimum on applicable parts.

Fees:

  • Application: $50
  • Examination: $50
  • Renewal: $25 (annual)

Renewal and CE: Annual; 6 hours continuing education on well and pump topics including contamination control and safety.

Code and Act (requirements and fees)

Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Agency site

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Age: 18+
  • Experience: Combined well drilling and pump installation experience under a licensed contractor; submission of both well construction and pump installation reports.
  • Exam: Required; combined written exam covering Well Construction and Pump Installation Codes/Acts and practices; minimum 70% on all four parts.

Fees:

  • Application: $80
  • Examination: $80
  • Renewal: $35 (annual)

Renewal and CE: Annual; 6 hours continuing education on combined well and pump topics.

Code and Act (requirements and fees)

Fire Sprinkler Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal — Agency site

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Personnel: Business must employ a designated certified person or responsible managing employee (e.g., Illinois Professional Engineer or NICET Level III in Water-Based Systems Layout).
  • Insurance: Liability at least $500,000 per person or $1,000,000 per occurrence for personal injuries and at least $1,000,000 per occurrence for property damage, plus workers’ compensation.

Fees: Initial license: $3,000; Renewal: $3,000; Late penalty: $500.

Renewal and CE: Biennial; 16 hours CE on system installation, maintenance, inspection, testing, and NFPA standards.

Program overview and fees

Asbestos Abatement Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Asbestos Program — Agency site

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Personnel: Company must employ an IDPH-licensed asbestos supervisor and licensed workers on abatement projects as required by rule.
  • Insurance: Liability insurance with at least $1,000,000 coverage for asbestos abatement; insurer rated at least A by A.M. Best; workers’ compensation coverage.

Fees: Application: $250.

Renewal: Annual.

Application instructions

Elevator Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal – Elevator Safety Division — Division page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Personnel: Must employ a Contractor License Designee holding an elevator mechanic or limited elevator mechanic license.
  • Exam: When required, administered to the Contractor License Designee under Part 1000 of the Elevator Safety Rules.
  • Insurance: General liability at least $1,000,000 for injury/death and at least $500,000 for property damage, plus statutory workers’ compensation.

Fees: Application: $1,000; Initial license: $1,000.

Renewal: Biennial.

Application (requirements and fees)

Limited Elevator Contractor License

Regulatory authority: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal – Elevator Safety Division — Division page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Personnel: Must employ a Contractor License Designee with a limited elevator mechanic license and demonstrate qualifications for specified conveyance types.
  • Exam: Mirrors elevator contractor exam requirements but limited to specific conveyances.
  • Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation as required by statute and rules.

Fees: Application: $500; Initial license: $500.

Renewal: Biennial.

Application (requirements and fees)

Elevator Mechanic License

Regulatory authority: Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal – Elevator Safety Division — Division page

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Qualifications: Acceptable combination of documented experience and education, completion of an apprenticeship/training program, or a substantially equivalent out-of-state license.
  • Education: Completion of an elevator apprenticeship or equivalent education as accepted under Section 45 of the Elevator Safety and Regulation Act.
  • Exam: Required; covers installation, alteration, servicing, repair, testing, and maintenance of elevators and related conveyances (limited and emergency licenses also exist under statute).

Renewal: Biennial.

Statutory qualifications (225 ILCS 312/45)

Electrician Licenses in Illinois

Local jurisdictions in Illinois that issue their own electrician licenses are listed below. State-level electrician licenses are covered in the State-Level Licenses section above.

Note: Some licenses in Illinois are issued at the city or county level. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local authority or contact us with questions.

Supervising Electrician License (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Chicago Department of Buildings — License page

Requirements:

  • Age: 21+
  • Experience: At least 2 years installing, altering, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring/equipment under direct supervision of a supervising electrician or equivalent.
  • Exam: Written exam on knowledge and technical training to perform or supervise work under the Chicago Electrical Code.

Fees: Examination: $150; Initial license: $150; Renewal: $150 (annual).

Insurance: Not required for the individual license.

Renewal: Annual.

Official source

Electrical Contractor License – General (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Chicago Department of Buildings — License page

Requirements:

  • Exam: Not required for contractor licensure tier.
  • Insurance: Commercial general liability with insurer rated B+ or better.

Fees: Initial license: $150; Renewal: $150 (annual); Late penalty: $100.

Renewal: Annual.

Official source

Electrical Contractor License – Low Voltage (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Chicago Department of Buildings — License page

Requirements:

  • Exam: Not required for this contractor classification.
  • Insurance: Commercial general liability with insurer rated B+ or better.

Fees: Initial license: $150; Renewal: $150 (annual); Late penalty: $100.

Renewal: Annual.

Official source

Electrical Contractor Registration (City of Naperville) (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Naperville — Registration page

Requirements:

  • Credential: Current municipal electrical license or current ICC certification such as Standard Master Electrician (commercial), Standard Residential Electrician (residential), or Standard Journeyman Sign Electrician.
  • Exam: Not required by Naperville when acceptable credentials are provided.

Contact the City of Naperville to confirm registration fees, insurance requirements, and renewal details before applying.

Official source

Plumbing Licenses in Illinois

Local jurisdictions in Illinois that issue their own plumbing licenses are listed below.

Note: Some licenses in Illinois are issued at the city or county level. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local authority or contact us with questions.

City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Chicago Department of Buildings — License page

Requirements:

  • Personnel: Business must employ plumbers or apprentice plumbers licensed by either the City of Chicago or State of Illinois.
  • Insurance: General liability and workers’ compensation as required by Chicago licensing rules.

Fees: Application: $150; Initial license: $150; Renewal: $150 (annual); Late penalty: $100.

Renewal: Annual.

Official source

HVAC Licenses in Illinois

Local jurisdictions in Illinois that issue their own HVAC licenses are listed below.

Note: Some licenses in Illinois are issued at the city or county level. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local authority or contact us with questions.

HVAC/Mechanical Contractor Registration (City of Rock Island) (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Rock Island – Community and Economic Development Department — Registration page

Requirements:

  • Experience: If applying using another Illinois municipality’s license/registration, submit an affidavit verifying at least 5 years of HVAC/mechanical contractor experience; or provide a master’s license with proof of a passing grade.
  • Insurance: Certificate of liability naming the City of Rock Island with $100,000 property damage and $300,000 personal injury per occurrence; workers’ compensation coverage or approved self-insurance.

Fees: Application/Initial: $55; Renewal: $55 (annual).

Renewal: Annual.

Official source

📍 Illinois Uses Local Licensing

Some contractor licensing in Illinois is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a state board. As a result, application forms, insurance minimums, exams, and renewal cycles can vary from one jurisdiction to another.

What this means for you:

  • Contact the specific city or county where you will perform work to confirm current requirements.
  • Expect to maintain multiple licenses if you work across different municipalities.
  • Insurance certificates may need to name each city/county individually.
  • Renewal cycles and CE requirements vary — track each separately.

To prepare efficiently for any required local competency exams, use code-focused study materials matching the code editions used by your jurisdiction.

General Contractor Licenses in Illinois

Local jurisdictions in Illinois that issue their own general contractor licenses are listed below.

Note: Some licenses in Illinois are issued at the city or county level. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local authority or contact us with questions.

City of Chicago General Contractor License (Local Jurisdiction)

Authority: City of Chicago Department of Buildings — License page

Requirements:

  • Classification: Business License Classes A–E based on permitted project size/scope.
  • Insurance: Proof of insurance in the amount required by the class of license; insurer must be rated B+ or better.

Renewal: Annual.

Contact the City of Chicago Department of Buildings to confirm current fees, insurance minimums by class, and renewal details before applying.

Official source

Roofing Licenses in Illinois

Roofing contractor licensing is regulated at the state level by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Some cities may also require a separate local contractor business license or registration before you pull permits. Use the references below to verify any local registration that may apply in addition to your state roofing license.

Local Licensing Requirements

Major Cities with Local Requirements:

Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm with your local building department before applying.

Specialty Trade Licenses in Illinois

Specialty trades—such as well drilling/pump installation, fire protection systems, elevators, and asbestos abatement—are licensed at the state level in Illinois. Local jurisdictions may also require a separate contractor business registration or permit account for projects performed within city limits. Check local requirements in addition to your state credential.

Local Licensing Requirements

Major Cities with Local Requirements:

Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm with your local building department before applying.

Application Process

  1. Identify the trade and determine whether licensing is at the state level (for example plumbing, roofing, water well, fire sprinkler, elevator, asbestos) or at the local city or county level (for example electrical, HVAC, general contracting).
  2. For state-level licenses, review the relevant Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, or Office of the State Fire Marshal program page to confirm license types, eligibility, and statutory requirements.
  3. Complete the appropriate application form for the license type, including any exam application if required, and gather supporting documentation such as experience affidavits, education records, and sponsorship statements.
  4. Obtain required insurance and bond coverage at the statutory minimums for contractor licenses and registrations, including general liability, property damage, and workers’ compensation coverage.
  5. Submit the application, fees, and supporting documents to the correct state agency or local authority by mail or through available online portals and ensure deadlines (for example exam application lead times or annual renewal dates) are met.
  6. Schedule and pass any required licensing examination through the administering board or its designated exam provider where applicable; verify exam logistics directly with the licensing authority.
  7. After approval, maintain the license or registration by renewing on the required cycle, meeting continuing education obligations if applicable, and keeping insurance and bond coverage in force.

Timeline: For state-level contractor and trade licenses such as roofing and plumbing, processing commonly takes several weeks from receipt of a complete application, with some programs advising applicants to allow approximately eight weeks for review in addition to any lead time needed to schedule and take examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a contractor license in Illinois?

Processing times vary by agency and license type. For state-level licenses such as roofing and plumbing, allow several weeks after submitting a complete application, plus any necessary lead time to schedule and pass required examinations.

Can I transfer my license from another state to Illinois?

Illinois does not offer broad, automatic reciprocity across all contractor trades. Most applicants must meet Illinois-specific standards and, where applicable, pass the Illinois examination. Plumbing law provides that out-of-state or municipal licensees with substantially equal requirements may apply, but they must still pass the Illinois plumber’s exam and pay the required fees. Local electrician and HVAC credentials are municipal; verify each city’s rules.

What happens if I fail the exam?

Retake policies and waiting periods are set by the administering board or program and may include additional fees or reapplication steps. Review the exam notice from the regulator and follow the rescheduling process it specifies.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Requirements differ by license. Examples include: IDPH plumbing contractor registration requires general liability (at least $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for bodily injury) plus property damage and workers’ compensation; IDFPR roofing contractors must maintain general liability and workers’ compensation; the State Fire Marshal requires at least $1,000,000 liability for fire sprinkler contractors; Rock Island HVAC registration requires a certificate of liability with $100,000 property damage and $300,000 personal injury per occurrence. Always confirm current minimums with the regulating authority.

How do I renew my license?

Renewal cycles depend on the credential: Chicago trade and contractor licenses typically renew annually; IDPH plumber and plumbing contractor credentials renew annually; IDFPR roofing licenses renew biennially; OSFM elevator and fire sprinkler contractor licenses renew biennially; Rock Island HVAC registration renews annually. Many programs require you to keep insurance in force, and some require continuing education (for example, water well/pump contractors and fire sprinkler contractors).

What if my city has different requirements than what’s shown here?

Some contractor licensing in Illinois varies by jurisdiction. The information shown is for cities/counties where official data is available. Always verify requirements with your local building department, as local regulations take precedence. Search for “[Your City/County] contractor license” to find requirements specific to your area.

Where can I find practice tests for Illinois exams?

We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Illinois contractor license exams. Each study guide typically includes 1,500–2,500 questions, answer keys for every question, and reference locators pointing to exact code sections. Study offline at your own pace; no time or use limits. Browse Illinois contractor practice tests.

Illinois · Practice tests

Illinois contractor license practice tests

The Illinois practice tests we publish today: comprehensive PDF guides, typically 1,500 to 2,500 questions each, with full answer keys and reference locators to the exact code sections. We add new tests regularly, so if your license isn’t listed here, contact us and we’ll build it.

Browse all Illinois tests →

Related Official Resources

Official Sources for Further Details:

  1. Illinois Department of Public Health – Plumbing Program
    https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  2. Illinois Department of Public Health – Plumber’s License Application for Examination
    https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/forms/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing/plumber-license-examination-application-06242021.pdf
    Fee Schedule and Exam Application | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  3. Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320)
    https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=1343&ChapterID=24
    State Statute | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  4. Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Roofing Contractor
    https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/roof.html
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  5. IDFPR Roofing License Types and Qualifying Party Form
    https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/renewals/apply/forms/rf.pdf
    Official Board Form | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  6. Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335)
    https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=1346&ChapterID=24
    State Statute | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  7. Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor’s License Act and Code
    https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/files/publications/915-waterwell-and-pump-installation-contractor-license-code-and-act-04102014-042716.pdf
    State Statute and Administrative Code | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  8. Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal – Fire Sprinkler Contractor Information
    https://sfm.illinois.gov/iam/business/fire-sprinkler-contractor-information.html
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  9. Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act (225 ILCS 317)
    https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=2473&ChapterID=24
    State Statute | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  10. Illinois Department of Public Health – Asbestos Contractor Application Instructions
    https://idph.illinois.gov/envhealth/ASBConInst.htm
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  11. Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal – Elevator Safety Division
    https://sfm.illinois.gov/about/divisions/elevators.html
    Official Board Site | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  12. Application for Elevator Contractor License
    https://sfm.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/sfm/sfmdocuments/documents/applicationforelevatorcontractorlicense.pdf
    Official Board Form | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  13. Elevator Safety and Regulation Act (225 ILCS 312/45)
    https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/022503120K45.htm
    State Statute | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  14. City of Chicago – General Contractor License
    https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/TLdetails/GC.html
    Official City Licensing Page | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  15. City of Chicago – Electrical Contractor License
    https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/TLdetails/ELcontractor.html
    Official City Licensing Page | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  16. City of Chicago – Supervising Electrician License
    https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/TLdetails/SupvEL.html
    Official City Licensing Page | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  17. City of Naperville – Electrical Contractor Registration
    https://www.naperville.il.us/services/permits–licenses/electrical-contractor-registration/
    Official City Licensing Page | Accessed: 2026-09-05
  18. City of Rock Island – HVAC/Mechanical Contractor Registration
    https://www.rigov.org/707/HVAC-Mechanical-Contractor
    Official City Licensing Page | Accessed: 2026-09-05

Important Disclaimer

Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available in 2026. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.

Official Source: For current information, contact Multiple Authorities – See research notes:

No Legal Advice: This guide provides general information only. Consult with the licensing board or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Local Requirements: Some licensing in Illinois is handled at the city or county level. Always verify requirements with your local building department.

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