HVAC Contractor Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

1. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

   Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who purchase or handle refrigerants to be certified under EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Certification is available in Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal categories. Certification is obtained through an EPA-approved testing organization such as ESCO Institute or NATE.

   Official government source

   $20–$60 (exam fee)·1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

   $20–$60 (exam fee)

   1–2 weeks (exam scheduling)

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. HVAC Licensing (Local/Municipal — no statewide IL license)

   Illinois does not have a statewide HVAC contractor license. HVAC contractors are regulated locally — check the specific city/county for licensing requirements (e.g., Chicago requires its own HVAC/refrigeration license). Contractors who perform refrigeration work must still comply with federal EPA Section 608 certification requirements.

   Official government source

   not applicable -- Illinois charges no state HVAC contractor licensing fee because no statewide license exists; municipal license fees vary by city·not applicable at the state level; timelines depend on the municipality that licenses the work

   not applicable -- Illinois charges no state HVAC contractor licensing fee because no statewide license exists; municipal license fees vary by city

   not applicable at the state level; timelines depend on the municipality that licenses the work

1. City of Chicago - General Contractor License (Department of Buildings)

   Chicago has no standalone mechanical or HVAC contractor license -- the Department of Buildings' trade licenses cover general contractors, supervising electricians, electrical contractors, plumbers and plumbing contractors, mason contractors, stationary (boiler) engineers, crane operators, and elevator mechanics only, and there is no BACP mechanical license. An HVAC business that contracts directly with a property owner for work requiring a building permit needs a City of Chicago General Contractor License from the Department of Buildings, administered through Continental Testing Services. An HVAC firm working as a subcontractor under a licensed general contractor does not need its own license, and only has to be listed on the permit if it will schedule the inspections.

   Official government source

   $300/year for a Class E General Contractor License (projects up to $500,000), rising by class to $900 Class D, $1,300 Class C, $1,800 Class B, and $3,500 Class A (calendar year 2026 rates)·The Department of Buildings does not publish a processing time. There is no exam; applications and renewals are mailed to Continental Testing Services, and the license is valid for one year from issuance.

   $300/year for a Class E General Contractor License (projects up to $500,000), rising by class to $900 Class D, $1,300 Class C, $1,800 Class B, and $3,500 Class A (calendar year 2026 rates)

   The Department of Buildings does not publish a processing time. There is no exam; applications and renewals are mailed to Continental Testing Services, and the license is valid for one year from issuance.

Official Sources

• Chicago BACP — Mechanical Contractor
• Illinois IDFPR — HVAC

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