Illinois Contractor Licenses: Updated Requirements Guide
Contractor licensing in Illinois is a mix of state and local regulation. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licenses plumbers and plumbing contractors statewide, while the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) licenses roofing contractors (Limited and Unlimited). Most other trades—including general contractors, electricians, HVAC/mechanical, and many specialties—are licensed or registered by individual cities and counties.
This guide walks you through every major trade in Illinois for 2025, including electrician, plumbing, HVAC, general contracting, roofing, and a key specialty trade. For locally regulated trades, we highlight city-specific requirements and provide direct links to municipal pages so you can verify the latest rules before you bid or pull permits.
All details below come from Illinois and municipal authorities. Where information is not specified by the agency, we note that and direct you to the official source for confirmation.
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Overview of Illinois Contractor Licensing
Illinois licensing relies on both state agencies and local jurisdictions. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulates plumbers and plumbing contractors, including apprenticeship approval, exams, and renewals. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates roofing contractors and requires exams, insurance, and bonding at the state level.
Most other contractor categories—such as general contractors, electricians, HVAC/mechanical, and many specialty trades—are licensed or registered by individual municipalities. Requirements, fees, and insurance minimums vary city to city. Major cities (for example, Chicago) typically require a qualifying party and an exam, while smaller jurisdictions may have streamlined registration with proof of insurance.
Always verify the latest requirements with the authority having jurisdiction where you plan to work. If you operate in multiple cities or counties, expect to maintain registrations in each jurisdiction that requires it.
Electrician Licenses in Illinois
Illinois regulates electrical work with 4 license types. Electrical licensing is not administered statewide—permits to perform electrical work typically require municipal licensing or registration. Below are the city-specific licenses documented in our research.
Chicago Supervising Electrician License (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Experience: Four years of electrical experience, documented via affidavits and prior employer or union verification
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by Continental Testing Services)
- Education: None specified
- Insurance: General liability minimum $500,000
These requirements are specific to Chicago. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Questions/Time: 100 questions, 3 hours
- Passing Score: 70%
- Content references: National Electrical Code (NEC), Chicago Electrical Code
- Topics: Code requirements, electrical calculations, safety, methods and materials, inspections
- Retake Policy: 30-day wait; reapply via Continental Testing Services
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $150; Exam $70; Initial License $50; Renewal $50; Late Penalty $40
- Insurance: General Liability, minimum $500,000
- Renewal: Annual; continuing education not specified
Source: Chicago Department of Buildings
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Chicago Electrical Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Qualifying Individual: Must employ a Supervising Electrician (4 years’ experience)
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by Continental Testing Services)
- Insurance: General liability minimum $500,000
- Education: None specified
These requirements are specific to Chicago. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Contractor law, safety, business practices, code requirements
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: 30 days; must reapply
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $125; Exam $70; Initial License $150; Renewal $150; Late Penalty $40
- Insurance: General Liability, minimum $500,000
- Renewal: Annual; continuing education not specified
Source: Chicago Department of Buildings
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Libertyville Electrical Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- License Basis: Electrical license from an approved municipality required
- Documentation: Letter of Intent on company letterhead for each project
- Exam: Not required
- Insurance: General Liability shown on certificate (minimum not specified)
These requirements are specific to Libertyville. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: No registration fee
- Insurance: General Liability (amount not specified)
- Renewal: Not specified
Source: Village of Libertyville
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Elgin Electrical Contractor License (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- License Basis: Must hold an electrical license from an Illinois city granted on a National Electrical Code (NEC) exam
- Exam: Required; NEC-based and administered by a city (e.g., Chicago, Elgin, etc.)
- Insurance: Certificate required (amount not specified)
- Education/Age: Not specified; age requirement not stated
These requirements are specific to Elgin. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice; NEC-based
- Questions/Time: Varies
- Passing Score: Varies
- Retake Policy: Varies by city
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $100; Exam $70; Initial License $100; Renewal $100
- Insurance: General Liability certificate required
- Renewal: Annual
Source: City of Elgin
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Local Licensing Requirements (Electrician)
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Chicago: Supervising Electrician and Electrical Contractor licensing with qualifying party, insurance, and exams in most cases. Registration and license details
- City of Elgin: City-issued electrical contractor license based on NEC exam; proof of insurance; $100 annual fee. Registration page
- Village of Libertyville: Registration with certificate of insurance; letter of intent for each electrical project; no fee. Contractor requirements
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.
Looking for study materials? Browse Illinois contractor license practice tests and study material.
Plumbing Licenses in Illinois
Illinois regulates plumbing work statewide through IDPH with 3 license types. Municipalities typically require your state plumbing license number to issue permits.
Illinois Plumber’s Apprentice License
Requirements
- Experience/Work Setting: Employment under a licensed plumber; hours not specified by IDPH
- Exam: Not required
- Age/Education: Not specified
Fees and Renewal
- Fees: Application $100
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health – Plumbing Program
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Illinois Plumber License
Requirements
- Experience: Completion of apprenticeship (usually 4 years on the job)
- Exam: Required; administered by IDPH
- Age: 18+
- Education: Completion of apprenticeship; no additional education specified
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice, closed book
- Passing Score: 70%
- Primary Code: Illinois Plumbing Code
- Topics: Plumbing code, materials, methods, business law
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: Per IDPH guidelines
Fees and Renewal
- Fees: Application $175; Exam $50; Initial License $100; Renewal $100; Late Penalty $25
- Insurance: Not required for individual plumber license (see Contractor license for business requirements)
- Renewal: Annual; CE not specified by IDPH in the provided data
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health – Plumbing Program
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Illinois Plumbing Contractor License
Requirements
- Prerequisite: Must hold a valid Illinois Plumber License
- Exam: Required; administered by IDPH
- Insurance: General Liability minimum $250,000
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Business law, code compliance, bonding
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: Per IDPH guidelines
Fees and Renewal
- Fees: Application $150; Exam $50; Initial License $100; Renewal $100; Late Penalty $25
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health – Plumbing Program
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HVAC Licenses in Illinois
Illinois regulates HVAC and mechanical contractors at the local level. Our research documents two representative jurisdictions below. Always confirm the code edition, insurance minimums, and whether an exam is required in your city.
Chicago Refrigeration Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Experience: Not specified; shown via application affidavit
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by Continental Testing Services)
- Insurance: General Liability minimum $500,000
These requirements are specific to Chicago. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Systems, code application, safety
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: 30 days; must reapply
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $125; Exam $70; Initial License $100; Renewal $100; Late Penalty $40
- Insurance: General Liability, minimum $500,000
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Chicago Department of Buildings
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Des Plaines Mechanical Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Registration: Application with certificate of insurance
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Not required
- Insurance: General Liability minimum $500,000
These requirements are specific to Des Plaines. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Fees and Renewal
- Fees: Application/Renewal $100 annually
- Renewal: Annual
Source: City of Des Plaines
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Local Licensing Requirements (HVAC/Mechanical)
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Chicago: Refrigeration/HVAC contractor registration with exam, insurance, and annual renewal. Registration and exam info
- City of Des Plaines: Mechanical/HVAC contractor registration; certificate of insurance; $100 annual fee; no exam. Registration requirements
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.
Need prep resources? Browse Illinois contractor license practice tests and study material.
📍 Illinois Uses Some Local Licensing
Some contractor licensing in Illinois is handled by individual cities and counties rather than a state board. This means requirements may vary significantly depending on where you plan to work.
What this means for you:
- Each city or county sets its own contractor licensing or registration requirements
- Major cities (e.g., Chicago) often require a qualifying party, exam, and proof of insurance
- Smaller jurisdictions may require registration and insurance only
- State-regulated trades: Plumbing (IDPH) and Roofing (IDFPR)
- Locally regulated trades: General contracting, electrical, HVAC/mechanical, and many specialties
Finding your requirements: Search for “[Your City/County] contractor license” or “[Your City/County] building department” to find local rules and applications.
General Contractor Licenses in Illinois
Illinois does not issue a statewide general contractor license. General contractor licensing and registration are handled by municipalities. Our research covers Chicago’s Class A and B licenses and Rock Island’s registration program; other cities and villages may have different classifications and thresholds.
Chicago General Contractor License (Class A) (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Scope: Unlimited General Contractor
- Qualifying Party: Required; disclosure of business structure
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by Continental Testing Services)
- Insurance: General Liability and Workers’ Compensation; minimum $1,000,000
These requirements are specific to Chicago. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Business law, building code, safety
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: 30 days
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $2,000; Exam $70; Initial License $2,000; Renewal $2,000; Late Penalty $40
- Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000; Workers’ Comp required unless exempt
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Chicago Department of Buildings
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Chicago General Contractor License (Class B) (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Scope: General Contractor with $10M project valuation limit
- Qualifying Party: Required; disclosure of business structure
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by Continental Testing Services)
- Insurance: General Liability and Workers’ Compensation; minimum $1,000,000
These requirements are specific to Chicago. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Business law, building code, safety
- Retake Policy: 30 days
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $1,000; Exam $70; Initial License $1,000; Renewal $1,000; Late Penalty $40
- Insurance: Minimum $1,000,000; Workers’ Comp required unless exempt
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Chicago Department of Buildings
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Rock Island General Contractor Registration (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Registration: Application with insurance and city fee
- Exam: Not required
- Insurance: General Liability minimum $500,000
These requirements are specific to Rock Island. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Fees and Renewal
- Fees: Application/Initial/Renewal $55 annually
- Renewal: Annual
Source: City of Rock Island
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Local Licensing Requirements (General Contractor)
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Chicago: Classed GC licenses (e.g., Class A unlimited; Class B $10M limit) with qualifying party, insurance, exam, and annual renewal. GC license information
- Village of Libertyville: Contractor registration requires certificates of insurance; no fee indicated. Registration requirements
- City of Rock Island: General contractor registration with $55 annual fee; insurance required. Registration page
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.
Get ready faster: Browse Illinois contractor license practice tests and study material.
Roofing Licenses in Illinois
Illinois regulates roofing contractors at the state level through IDFPR with two classifications: Limited (residential) and Unlimited (residential and commercial). Many municipalities may still require you to register locally and provide your state license number to obtain roofing permits.
Illinois Unlimited Roofing Contractor License
Requirements
- Scope: Residential and commercial roofing
- Qualifying Individual: Required; must pass exam
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by IDFPR)
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Residential/commercial roofing, code, safety, business law
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: Per IDFPR guidelines
Fees, Insurance, Bond, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $226; Exam $100; Initial License $226; Renewal $226; Late Penalty $50
- Insurance/Bond: $500,000 general liability; $250,000 property damage; $10,000 license bond
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Roofing
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Illinois Limited Roofing Contractor License
Requirements
- Scope: Residential roofing
- Qualifying Individual: Required; must pass exam
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by IDFPR)
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Residential roofing, code, safety, business law
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: Per IDFPR guidelines
Fees, Insurance, Bond, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $226; Exam $100; Initial License $226; Renewal $226; Late Penalty $50
- Insurance/Bond: $500,000 general liability; $250,000 property damage; $10,000 license bond
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Roofing
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Specialty Trade Licenses in Illinois
Specialty trades are commonly licensed at the local level in Illinois. One example is the Chicago Private Alarm Contractor license, which requires an exam, insurance, and annual renewal. Other specialties may also be locally regulated—verify with your city or county.
Chicago Private Alarm Contractor (Local Jurisdiction)
Requirements
- Application: Required with qualifying documentation
- Age: 18+
- Exam: Required (administered by Continental Testing Services)
- Insurance: General Liability minimum $500,000
These requirements are specific to Chicago. Other jurisdictions in Illinois may have different requirements.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple choice
- Passing Score: 70%
- Topics: Alarm installation, code, safety
- Other: Number of questions and duration not specified
- Retake Policy: 30 days
Fees, Insurance, and Renewal
- Fees: Application $125; Exam $70; Initial License $100; Renewal $100; Late Penalty $40
- Insurance: General Liability minimum $500,000
- Renewal: Annual
Source: Chicago Department of Buildings
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Local Licensing Requirements (Specialty)
Major Cities with Local Requirements:
- City of Chicago: Private Alarm Contractor and other trade licenses administered with exams and insurance; annual renewals. Specialty licensing details
Note: Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always check with your local building department.
Explore specialty exam prep: Browse Illinois contractor license practice tests and study material.
Application Process
- Complete application form including license type and classification
- Submit required documents (insurance certificate, qualifying party credentials, business entity details)
- Pay applicable fees
- Schedule and pass required examination (if applicable)
- Receive approval and license
- Renew annually and maintain insurance
Timeline: Application review typically takes 2–4 weeks; exams are scheduled as available after approval.
Required Documents
- Certificate of insurance meeting the jurisdiction’s minimums
- Business entity documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation/Organization)
- Affidavit of qualifying party (where required)
- Exam pass result (if applicable)
- Letter of intent (municipal approval), if required for the project
- Copy of state plumber or roofing license (if applicable)
- Workers’ compensation documentation (unless exempt)
Online Application: Available for many Chicago licenses. See the city portal: Chicago Contractor Licensing.
Processing Note: Application requirements and fees differ by city and license type. Renewal and insurance are typically required annually.
Reciprocity: Illinois does not offer reciprocity for plumbing or roofing licenses. Local registrations for general, electrical, HVAC, and specialties are jurisdiction-specific and non-transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a contractor license in Illinois?
Most applications are reviewed within 2–4 weeks, with exams scheduled as available after approval. Local timelines vary by city and workload.
Is there a state license for general contractors, electricians, or HVAC contractors?
No. Those trades are regulated by local jurisdictions in Illinois. State licensing applies to plumbing (IDPH) and roofing (IDFPR) only.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Illinois?
Plumbing and roofing: No reciprocity is offered; you must meet Illinois exam and licensing requirements. Local registrations for other trades are jurisdiction-specific and non-transferable.
What happens if I fail a contractor exam?
Policies vary by authority. Chicago-administered exams typically require a 30-day wait and reapplication through Continental Testing Services. IDPH and IDFPR exams follow their published retake guidelines.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Minimums vary by license and jurisdiction. Examples: Chicago GC requires at least $1,000,000; Chicago trade licenses commonly require $500,000; IDFPR roofing requires $500,000 GL, $250,000 property damage, and a $10,000 bond.
How often do licenses renew?
Most licenses in this guide renew annually. Specific CE requirements were not specified in the provided data; confirm with the issuing authority.
If I work in multiple cities, do I need multiple registrations?
Usually yes. Local licenses and registrations are jurisdiction-specific. Always verify requirements in each city or county where you plan to work or pull permits.
Where can I find practice tests for Illinois exams?
We offer comprehensive PDF practice tests for Illinois and local municipal exams. Materials typically include 1,500–2,500 questions with answer keys and precise code reference locators. Study offline at your own pace. Browse Illinois contractor practice tests.
Who should I contact for official guidance?
Plumbing: IDPH (site, 217-782-4977). Roofing: IDFPR (site, 888-473-4858). For local trades, contact your city’s building department (e.g., Chicago DOB at 312-744-3449).
Official Sources & References
Official Sources:
- Chicago Department of Buildings – Contractor Licensing
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/licenses.html
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Illinois Department of Public Health – Plumbing Program
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Roofing Contractor
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/roof.html
Official Board Site | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Libertyville – Contractor Requirements
https://www.libertyville.com/departments/community_development/building/contractor_requirements.php
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Elgin – Contractor Requirements
https://elginil.gov/311/Contractor-Requirements
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Rock Island – General Contractor Registration
https://www.rigov.org/161/Inspections-Division
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Des Plaines – Contractor License & Bond Requirements
https://www.desplainesil.gov/i-want-to/find/license-and-bond-requirements
City Building Department | Accessed: 2025-11-08 - Illinois Contractor Licensing Guide (Secondary Summary)
https://www.procore.com/library/illinois-contractors-license
Secondary Source | Accessed: 2025-11-08
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Information Currency: This guide reflects licensing information as available. Licensing requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
Official Sources: For current information, contact the appropriate authority:
- Plumbing (IDPH): https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing | 217-782-4977 | [email protected]
- Roofing (IDFPR): https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/roof.html | 888-473-4858 | [email protected]
- Local Licensing (e.g., Chicago DOB): https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/provdrs/licenses.html | 312-744-3449 | [email protected]
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: Many licenses in Illinois are issued by cities or counties. Always verify requirements with your local building department.
