Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Illinois — No State Handyman or General Contractor License

   Illinois does not require a statewide handyman or general contractor license. Licensing is regulated at the municipal level. Chicago's General Contractor License is the primary requirement for handymen working in the city. Always verify with the specific municipality if working in suburban Cook County.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

1. Chicago General Contractor License

   The City of Chicago requires a General Contractor License from the Department of Buildings for most construction, alteration, repair, and demolition work in the city, including handyman home-improvement work. There are five classes set by maximum project value: Class E up to $500,000, Class D up to $4 million, Class C up to $10 million, Class B up to $20 million, and Class A unlimited. There is no examination -- Continental Testing Services processes applications and renewals by mail on behalf of the Department of Buildings. You must submit a statement of financial solvency, proof of insurance for your class (Class E requires $1 million per occurrence), an Assumed Name Certificate from the County Clerk if you use a trade name, and government-issued photo ID for the responsible individuals. Subcontractors working under a licensed general contractor do not need their own license.

   Official government source

   $300/year Class E; $900 Class D; $1,300 Class C; $1,800 Class B; $3,500 Class A (calendar year 2026 rates; renewal is the same amount)·The Department of Buildings does not publish a processing time. The license is valid for one year from issuance and is automatically inactivated if the insurance policy on file expires.

   $300/year Class E; $900 Class D; $1,300 Class C; $1,800 Class B; $3,500 Class A (calendar year 2026 rates; renewal is the same amount)

   The Department of Buildings does not publish a processing time. The license is valid for one year from issuance and is automatically inactivated if the insurance policy on file expires.

2. Chicago Home Repair License (BACP)

   Handyman businesses that fix, replace, alter, convert, modernize, improve, or add to any property primarily used as a residence in Chicago need a City of Chicago Home Repair License from BACP -- not a generic 'Chicago Business License'. Home Repair licensees may NOT pull building permits; if the work requires a permit, a General Contractor license (or a trade-specific license) from the Chicago Department of Buildings is required instead.

   Official government source

   $1,000 license fee (Chicago Home Repair License, BACP)·2–4 weeks

   $1,000 license fee (Chicago Home Repair License, BACP)

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Chicago — General Contractor License
• City of Chicago — Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
• Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

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