A Full Payment Certificate (“FPC”) is a certificate issued by the Department of Finance indicating that all utility charges and penalties that accrued to an account are paid in full or otherwise not transferable to the subsequent owner. The FPC application serves as a request to the Department of Finance to transfer service out of the transferor’s name and into the transferee’s name. Without a FPC, the parties will not be able to obtain the City of Chicago Real Property Transfer Tax stamps required to record the property deed with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.

Unless otherwise provided by law or rule, a FPC is required in all transfers of real property whether such transfers are subject to or exempt from the City of Chicago Real Property Transfer Tax.

You can now submit an FPC application online. You can also check the status of an existing FPC application.

Applications can be completed in person or online using the link above. Please have your utility account number available; if you are not sure of the account number feel free to call us at (312) 744-4426. Each application requires proof of the transaction be submitted with it, and some transactions may require additional supporting documents. (Please see below for a complete list of required documents.)

In order to obtain a FPC, an application with a fee of $50.00 shall be made to the Department of Finance. Provided, however, if the property is exempt from the Real Property Transfer Tax, the FPC application fee shall not be charged, if appropriately marked on the application. Any outstanding account balance will need to be paid to complete the certification process. If a FPC was required and such certificate was not obtained when the real property was transferred, both the transferor and the transferee will be jointly and severally liable for any outstanding utility charges, penalties, and applicable fees that have accrued to the account.

In-Person Applications

Effective November 13, 2023, Full Payment Certificate in-person transactions will now move to the City Hall 121 N La Salle St, Room 107. Business hours is Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.

Buyers, sellers, and attorneys may submit up to 2 applications by visiting our office to be processed. Applications may be finalized same day unless additional services are required such as a field review or a final meter reading. Once an FPC is ready, it will send an email to the applicant registered email address. Applications will be accepted from the buyer, seller, or attorney for the transaction during regular business hours Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Please be prepared to provide identification. Attorneys must provide a current ARDC and/or Cook County Sheriff’s Card and a form of government-issued photo identification.

People other than the buyer, seller, or attorney will be considered an agent and must print and sign their names as the agent. Agents are permitted to drop off applications between 9:00 A.M and 10:00 a.m. Agents should expect up to 10 business days for processing. Any applicant who wishes to follow up on the status of an application should first allow at least 10 business days for processing. Once 10 business days have passed, most applications will have been finalized. 

However, if an application has not been finalized after 10 business days, an applicant may request its status by sending an email to fpc@cityofchicago.org and including the FPC application number and/or the property address in the email. 

Applicants who have profiles registered in the Online Full Payment Certificate (oFPC) portal may enter an inquiry via the oFPC portal in the NOTES section of the application for a more streamlined resolution and response.

Required Documents: The property’s legal description and one of the following will be required to ensure a complete application:

• A copy of the signed and notarized deed for the intended transaction (must be submitted if requesting an exempt FPC transaction)
• Title commitment Schedule A listing the buyer and seller
• Signed sales contract listing the buyer and seller