How to check a contractor's license in Illinois.

Illinois does not require a state-level general contractor license. However, this doesn't mean contractors can operate without any oversight. Many cities and counties in Illinois have their own licensing requirements, and specialty trades (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) typically require state licensing even when general contracting doesn't.

No state-level general contractor license. IDFPR licenses roofing contractors statewide under 225 ILCS 335 (Limited/Unlimited tiers). IDPH licenses plumbers and registers plumbing contractors under 225 ILCS 320. Electrical and HVAC are regulated municipally. Chicago issues Class A-E general contractor licenses tied to project value ($500K to unlimited) with scaled CGL insurance ($1M-$5M per occurrence). Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) requires written contract and consumer-rights pamphlet for jobs over $1,000.

How to Verify a Contractor in Illinois

Since Illinois doesn't have statewide licensing, you'll need to:

1. Check local requirements. Contact your city or county building department to find out if contractors need a local license, permit, or registration to work in your area.
2. Verify specialty licenses. If your project involves plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other specialty trades, those contractors should hold state-issued specialty licenses. Check the IDFPR (roofing) + IDPH (plumbing); general contracting regulated municipally for specialty license verification.
3. Ask for proof of insurance. Even without a licensing requirement, any reputable contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for certificates before signing a contract.
4. Check the Better Business Bureau. In states without licensing boards, the BBB and online reviews are your primary tools for vetting contractors.
5. Verify business registration. Check that the contractor is registered as a business with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Protecting Yourself Without State Licensing

In states like Illinois where there's no state licensing board to file complaints with, it's especially important to:

• Get a detailed written contract before any work begins
• Never pay more than 10-30% upfront
• Verify the contractor pulls all required building permits
• Get multiple bids and check references
• Use a credit card for payments when possible (chargeback protection)

Should Illinois Require Contractor Licensing?

States without contractor licensing consistently have higher rates of consumer complaints about home improvement fraud. Licensed states provide consumers with surety bond protection, complaint investigation, and disciplinary enforcement that unlicensed states lack. If you're in Illinois, consider advocating for statewide contractor licensing through your state legislature.

Sources

Facts on this page were verified against the following primary sources on April 20, 2026. Licensing laws, fees, and bond amounts change — always confirm with the official board before acting.

• Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335) — Statutory basis for state roofing contractor licensing, Limited and Unlimited categories, and IDFPR bond authority. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• IDFPR — Roofing Contractor program page — Application forms, qualifying party requirements, and renewal instructions for Illinois roofing contractors. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• IDFPR — Roofing Contractor Application (DPR-RF) — Application form specifying Limited ($10,000, form BD-LRF) and Unlimited ($25,000, form BD-URF) bond requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320) — Statutory framework for IDPH licensing of plumbers, apprentice plumbers, and plumbing contractors; 4-hour annual CE requirement in Sec. 3. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• IDPH — Plumbing Program — IDPH plumbing licensing overview, apprentice rules, contractor registration, April 30 renewal cycle, and irrigation contractor requirements. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Illinois General Assembly — Plumber License Application (state services portal) — Official state services page linking to plumber license application. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act (815 ILCS 513) — Consumer-protection statute — written contract threshold ($1,000), consumer rights pamphlet, and unlawful-acts section. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• 815 ILCS 513/15 — Written contract; costs enumerated — Exact statutory text of the $1,000 written-contract threshold and required contract contents. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Illinois Attorney General — Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights (brochure) — Text of the pamphlet contractors are required to deliver under 815 ILCS 513/20. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Illinois Attorney General — Home Repair and Construction: Know Your Rights — Consumer-facing guidance: three-business-day right to cancel, contract contents, and pamphlet acknowledgment. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Chicago Municipal Code 4-36-030 — General Contractor License Classifications — Current Class A-E project-value limits and demolition authority for Chicago general contractor licenses. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• Chicago Municipal Code 4-36-090 — Insurance Requirements — Commercial general liability per-occurrence and aggregate minimums by class: $5M/$3M/$1M/$1M/$1M per occurrence (Classes A/B/C/D/E); Classes C and D additionally carry $2M aggregate minimums. Requires City named as additional insured and insurer rated B+ or better by A.M. Best. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• City of Chicago — Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) — City agency administering Chicago business licenses, including general contractor licenses; consumer complaint intake. (retrieved 2026-04-20)
• City of Chicago — Department of Buildings — Permit issuance, trade licensing (Supervising Electrician, plumber, mason contractor), and inspection authority. (retrieved 2026-04-20)

Other States

Looking up a contractor in a different state? Visit our state-by-state contractor license lookup page to find the right verification tool for your state.