Illinois Business License

Thinking to start a business in Illinois? You’d be better to check every detail, because Illinois is one of the states where you should obtain a license to run a business. You can use Illinois business license lookup to if the business is licensed or not.

And, learn how to use Illinois business license lookup or business license lookup Illinois tools. Moreover learn how to apply for your Illinois Business license and how to register your business.

How much is a business license in Illinois?

To start and manage a business in Illinois, firstly you should apply for your Illinois Business license or permit. The state of Illinois doesn’t issue a general business license. However, many cities require a business license for some types of businesses. Moreover, certain business types have to obtain permits. For example, businesses selling products or several services will need to register for a Sales Tax Permit with the Illinois department of revenue.

Professional license

Some professions such as physical therapists, cosmetologists, barbers, architects, massage therapists and several others require licensing in Illinois. Although this isn’t considered to be a business license, it is required to operate. In the state of Illinois the primary licensing agency is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Illinois Business License costs

Although the state of Illinois doesn’t require a general business license, for some business types you should apply to the local governmental bodies to be licensed. For example, in Chicago to have your own hotel, you should apply for the license to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer protection.

And, you will need to pay $250 and complete a background check. Moreover, the department will make a zoning review. After that, you will need to renew your license every two years.

To sum up, the license fees and regulations may vary from city by city. On average, depending on the business type it may start from $75 up to $1000-$2000. So, check with your local authorities before you apply for a business license.

Does Illinois require a business license?

In short, the state of Illinois doesn’t require and doesn’t issue a general business license. But, for certain types of businesses you may need not only a business license but a professional license too.

Some professions such as physical therapists, cosmetologists, barbers, architects, massage therapists and several others require licensing in Illinois. Although, this isn’t considered to be a business license, it is required to operate.

In the state of Illinois the primary licensing agency is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Moreover, you may need to have a permit from your local regulatory departments. So, before you start a business in Illinois you’d be better to check with your city municipality. For example, in Chicago there are many business types that you can’t run without a business license.  

Moreover, you can use the state of Il business license lookup tool, to learn whether you need a license for your business or not.

How do I obtain a business license in Illinois?

Before applying for a business license in Illinois make sure you may need one. Here are the steps on how to obtain a business license in Illinois:

• Firstly, apply for your Illinois business authorization. You can complete the registration online, by mail in person. You should register your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue
• Secondly, check for occupation-specific Illinois business license requirements. Although there are standard Illinois Business Authorization forms, the license obtaining process varies from city by city.

In the Illinois Business Registration, Licenses and Permits website you learn how to apply for the license if needed.

Moreover, you can visit your local government’s website and find the city and county requirements.

After that, you will need to complete the requirements and submit you application. The business license application process is very straightforward, but depending on the services you are going to provide you may need to pass an exam, or have a bachelor’s degree.

Moreover, you may need to complete a pre-licensing education and pass an exam.

Do I need a business license to sell online in Illinois?

Whether you are going to sell online or have a shop it is required to have a business license. Businesses are required to apply for a business license because it provides a way for the government to keep track of enterprises operating in the area and keep track of tax revenue.

You can risk your business if you operate without a business license. Moreover, you will need to renew the license every year or every two years. It depends on the city and county you are going to run your online business.