Last updated November 10, 2021
Business License in Illinois
Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start Guide is a brief overview of how to form an LLC in Illinois.
Detailed Lessons:
1. Name Search
2. Registered Agent
3. Filing Forms
4. Operating Agreement
5. Tax ID Number (EIN)
6. Annual Report
7. Licenses and Permits ← you are here
8. Taxes
Illinois LLC Costs:
Illinois LLC filing fee: $150
Illinois LLC annual report: $75
Need to save time?
Hire a professional to form your LLC in Illinois:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
★ Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom
Note: Illinois LLC fees have been reduced. If you see higher state fees on another website, that information is outdated. For details on the new fees, please see: Illinois LLC filing fees reduced
After you form your Illinois LLC, you’ll need to comply with state and local government (county and/or city) license and permit requirements.
Your requirements are determined by the industry you are in and where your business is located.
Not complying with license and permit requirements is risky and can result in penalties and fines, or worse, not being able to conduct business in Illinois.
Types of licenses & permits you may need in Illinois
Below are some license and permits examples:
- Business licenses/tax permits
- Building permit
- Health permit
- Occupational permit
- Signage permit
- Alarm permit
- Zoning permit
- Alcohol & tobacco permit
- Liquor license
- Sales and use tax permit
- Seller/reseller permit
Do it yourself in Illinois
Illinois does not issue business licenses at the state-level, but you may have local requirements for licenses and permits, which may be enforced at the county, city, and local level.
Contact your county, city, and/or town:
You’ll need to contact the county, city, and/or town where your LLC will be doing business. They should be able to help guide you if your LLC requires any licenses and/or permits to operate.
List of all townships in IL:
Township Officials of Illinois: Illinois Townships List
State page on Licenses and Permits
Illinois.gov: Registrations, Licenses and Permits
Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue
Illinois Revenue: How do I register with the Illinois Department of Revenue?
(more information on taxes found here in this lesson: Illinois Taxes)
Our Recommendation
There are nearly 20,000 licensing and permit jurisdictions in the United States and each has its own rules and regulations.
If you want to save time, we recommend hiring a professional service company (like IncFile) to do the research and prepare your applications.
They will provide you with a comprehensive package of all the licenses, permits and tax registrations required for your Illinois LLC, as well as the necessary application forms.
Next Step
After you’ve researched and obtained the proper licenses and permits for your Illinois LLC, you can then proceed to the next lesson: Illinois LLC Taxes.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Can you work in chicago if your business is located in indiana
Hi Jeffrey, yes, you can.
Hi Jeffrey, what kind of work are you referring to? Did you form an LLC in Indiana?
Do I need a business license in Chicago, IL for a Design Consulting – home base business?
Hi Dee, yes, your LLC does need a business license to do business in Chicago. After your LLC is approved by the Illinois Secretary of State, you can apply for a Chicago business license for your LLC. You can find more information here: City of Chicago: Business Licensing: What Do I Need? You can also contact the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Department (a part of the City of Chicago) for any assistance or questions at 312-744-6060. Hope that helps.