The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) issues business licenses and regulates business activity in Chicago. A business license issued by BACP is required to conduct most business activity in the City of Chicago. 

What business license do I need?
Your business activities determine the types of business licenses for which you are applying. Depending on your business activities, you may need more than one business license to operate your business in Chicago. Additionally, there are business activities regulated by the State of Illinois that may be exempt from City licensing. Please visit our Business License Guide and Information page to determine which license or licenses are required for your business activity.

If your business activities require a BACP business license, documents issued by the State of Illinois or other government entities do not replace the need for this license. You must apply for and receive your license from BACP before beginning operations.

Considerations

• Business License Exemptions
• Business License Guide
• License Applications Requirement
• Zoning

You may also have to register your business with other government agencies.  View the 3 Simple Steps to Obtain a Business License for more information. 

How to Apply

Apply In-person
Business owners or legal representatives of business owners can also apply for a license in-person by meeting with a Business Consultant in the Small Business Center (SBC). 

Chicago Small Business Center
City Hall
121 North LaSalle Street, 8th Floor, Room 800
Chicago, IL 60602

Contact Information
312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249) or 312.744.1944 for TTY.
businesslicense@cityofchicago.org

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday; 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Apply Online
BACP’s online business license application system – Chicago Business Direct – allows business owners or legal representatives of business owners to apply for most City of Chicago business licenses. All business license applications started online must be completed online. 

Business Consultants at the Small Business Center can assist with:

• Business license applications
• Business start-up and expansion
• Public Way Use applications and permitting
• Zoning information
• Guidance for other City departments’ business processes 
• Scheduling licensing inspections

Application Requirements
Standard application requirements, documentation, and license-specific requirements may be found in our Business License Guide and Information page.