At a Glance: Illinois Contractor License
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing Board | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) + Local |
| License Types |
|
| License Threshold | No state GC license; state license required for roofing and plumbing |
| Application Fee | $100–$300 for licensed trades |
| Exam Required | ✅ Yes |
| Exam Provider | Varies by trade |
| Exam Cost | $75–$150 |
| Experience Required | Varies by trade |
| Insurance Required | Required; varies by municipality |
| License Renewal | Annual or biennial |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Illinois Contractor License
- Check if your trade requires an IDFPR state license (roofing, plumbing do)
- Register with your city or county for general contracting work
- Chicago has its own strict contractor licensing system
- Obtain required business licenses and insurance
- Complete any trade-specific exams required by your jurisdiction
Exam Requirements
Provider: Varies by trade
Cost: $75–$150
Topics covered: Illinois codes, Trade knowledge
Most state contractor exams test two main areas: Business & Law (contracts, lien law, workers' comp, licensing regulations) and Trade Knowledge (construction practices, building codes, safety). Prepare for both sections — even experienced contractors struggle with the Business & Law portion without dedicated study.
Study Resources
- PSI Candidate Handbook (available on PSI website — free, covers exactly what's on the exam)
- ICC Study Guides for code-based exams
- Contractor's Business & Law Study Guide by Craftsman Book Company
- Online prep courses from Contractor Exam Prep and similar providers
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Required; varies by municipality
Beyond what Illinois requires, consider these coverage types for complete protection:
- General Liability: Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
- Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees; protects against job-site injury claims
- Commercial Auto: Your personal auto policy won't cover your work truck
- Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment): Covers tool theft from job site or vehicle
Reciprocity
Illinois has the following reciprocity agreements with other states:
No active reciprocity agreements.
Important: Reciprocity agreements change over time. Always contact the Illinois licensing board directly to confirm current reciprocity status before assuming your out-of-state license qualifies for expedited licensure.
Important Notes for Illinois
Illinois has no state general contractor license. Chicago has its own licensing requirements — separate from the state. Always verify local requirements.
Official Resources
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) + Local — Official Website
- PSI Exams — Schedule Your Contractor Exam
- Contractor Insurance Guide
- Contractor Bonding Guide
- How to Start a Construction Business
Always verify requirements directly with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) + Local. Requirements, fees, and exam procedures change frequently — this guide is updated periodically but may not reflect the most recent changes.