Apply For or Renew a Trade License

This page provides information about the types of trade licenses issued by the City of Chicago and directs you where to apply for and renew each type of trade license. Additional licenses issued by the State of Illinois may be required to perform some types of construction, alteration, demolition, repair, and maintenance work.

Types of work that require City of Chicago trade licenses include:

General Building Construction, Renovation, or Demolition Work

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
General Contractor License General Contractor License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Continental Testing Services web site
Home Repair License Home Repair License Overview Chicago Business Direct | application instructions Chicago Business Direct | renewal instructions
Residential Real Estate Developer License Residential Real Estate Developer License Overview Chicago Business Direct | application instructions Chicago Business Direct | renewal instructions

Electrical Work

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Electrical Contractor License Electrical Contractor License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Department of Buildings web portal | renewal instructions
Private Alarm Contractor Registration Illinois-licensed Private Alarm Contractor Registration Overview  Continental Testing Services web site Continental Testing Services web site
Supervising Electrician License Supervising Electrician License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Department of Buildings web portal | renewal instructions

Elevator and Conveyance Device Work

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Elevator Mechanic Contractor License Elevator Mechanic Contractor License Overview City of Chicago web portal City of Chicago web portal 
Supervising Elevator Mechanic License Supervising Elevator Mechanic License Overview City of Chicago web portal | Instructions City of Chicago web portal | How to claim your license

Mason (Brick and Concrete) Work

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Mason Contractor License Mason Contractor License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Department of Buildings web portal | renewal instructions

Plumbing and Sewer Work

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Apprentice Plumber License Apprentice Plumber License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Department of Buildings web portal | renewal instructions
Drain Layer Contractor License Drain Layer Contractor License Overview Department of Buildings web site Department of Buildings web site
Plumber (Journeyman) License Plumber License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Department of Buildings web portal | renewal instructions
Plumbing Contractor License Plumbing Contractor License Overview Continental Testing Services web site Department of Buildings web portal | renewal instructions

Operation of Boilers and Steam Engines

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Stationary Engineer License Stationary Engineer License Overview City of Chicago web portal | Instructions City of Chicago web portal | How to claim your license

Operation of Cranes

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Apprentice Crane Operator License Apprentice Crane Operator License Overview City of Chicago web portal | Instructions City of Chicago web portal | How to claim your license
Crane Operator License Crane Operator License Overview City of Chicago web portal | Instructions City of Chicago web portal | How to claim your license

Specialty Work

License Type Learn About This License Type Apply for a New License Renew an Existing License
Board-up Company License Board-up Company License Overview Chicago Business Direct | application instructions Chicago Business Direct | renewal instructions
Fire Extinguisher Serviceman License Contact the Fire Department Contact the Fire Department Contact the Fire Department
Public Way Work Contractor License Contact the Department of Transportation Contact the Department of Transportation Contact the Department of Transportation
Use of Explosives License Contact the Fire Department Chicago Business Direct | application instructions Chicago Business Direct | renewal instructions
Use of Explosives Certificate of Fitness Contact the Fire Department Contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)

 

Disclaimer: This information is provided to help the public better understand licensing requirements applicable to building construction, alteration, demolition, repair, and maintenance in the City of Chicago. The license type overviews may not reflect all conditions, limitations, or exceptions that may apply to a particular situation and are not intended as a substitute for legal advice. To the extent the information provided differs from the Municipal Code of Chicago, state statute, or applicable regulations, the ordinance, statute, or regulation controls.