Massage Therapy Business Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a massage therapy business in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-02-15 5 stops $600–$2,000 est. 6–14 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Illinois

2 stops

  1. Illinois Massage License (IDFPR)

    Illinois requires all massage therapists to be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Requirements include 500 hours of education from an approved school, passing the MBLEx exam, and a background check. Licenses expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years.

    Official government source

    $50 (application fee) + $100–$200 (MBLEx exam fee)4–8 weeks

  2. Illinois Business Registration (Secretary of State)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA (Assumed Name Certificate) with the Cook County Clerk.

    $150 (LLC) or $25 (DBA)1–4 weeks

City of Chicago / Cook County

2 stops

  1. Chicago Business License — Massage Establishment

    The City of Chicago requires massage establishments to obtain a business license through the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). A Massage Establishment License is required for any location where massage services are provided for compensation. The license requires proof that all therapists are state-licensed, passing a premise inspection, and an application disclosing all owners/managers.

    Official government source

    $250–$500/year (biennial license, fees vary)4–8 weeks

  2. Chicago Zoning Compliance

    Massage establishments must be located in zones that permit personal service businesses (B, C, or M zoning districts typically). Check with the Chicago Department of Buildings before signing a lease. A Certificate of Occupancy is required for new commercial tenants.

    Official government source

    $200–$400 (Certificate of Occupancy)2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $600–$2,000 · 6–14 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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