Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $900–$2,500 est. 8–14 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Plumbing License (Outside Chicago)

    Illinois requires a state plumbing license issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health for plumbing work outside the City of Chicago. However, Chicago operates under a home-rule system and has its own licensing requirements that supersede the state license for work within city limits. Contractors working both inside and outside Chicago must hold both licenses.

    Official government source

    $40/year (state license)4–8 weeks

  2. Illinois Business Entity Registration (if applicable)

    LLCs and corporations must register with the Illinois Secretary of State.

    $150 (LLC filing fee)3–5 business days (online filing)

City of Chicago / Cook County

3 stops

  1. City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License

    Chicago requires a separate City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor License issued by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). This is distinct from any state license. The qualifying plumber must hold a City of Chicago Master Plumber License. Apply through the city's eBusiness portal. A $10,000 surety bond is required.

    Official government source

    $285/year (contractor license) + $10,000 surety bond (~$100–$200/year premium)2–4 weeks

  2. City of Chicago Master Plumber License

    Chicago has its own Master Plumber exam and license, separate from any state license. To qualify as the responsible party for a plumbing contracting business, one owner or employee must hold a City of Chicago Master Plumber License. This requires passing a Chicago-specific exam, 5 years of plumbing experience, and a criminal background check.

    Official government source

    $125/year4–8 weeks (exam scheduling)

  3. Chicago Business License (General)

    All businesses operating in Chicago must obtain a general business license from BACP in addition to any specialty licenses.

    Official government source

    $250/year (standard retail/service license)1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $900–$2,500 · 8–14 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides