How to Get a Business License in Chicago

Starting your own business in Chicago requires research and paperwork.

Chicago businesses need a city business license, unless a business is exempt under Illinois state law. Obtain this license by registering with the local, state and federal governments. Application can be completed in person or online, providing the proper credentials and paperwork have been filed.

Things You'll Need

• Detailed description of the business activity
• Identification-A valid Driver’s License, voters registration card, state ID
• card or another official photo ID
• Extra paperwork (determined by business activity/type)

Instructions

Determine your Legal Entity

1. Review your options for forming a legal entity for your business, evaluating ramifications for taxes and liabilities. Common types of legal entities include sole proprietorship, corporation, LLC, and Limited Partnership.

2. Register with the Illinois Secretary of State, either in person through paperwork or online. To register in person or by mail, send the correct paperwork to:

   Illinois Secretary of State

   69 W. Washington, Suite 1240

   Chicago, IL 60602

   312-793-3380

   sos.state.il.us

3. Await an official response, detailing whether your registration was successful. This can take up to 30 business days, regardless of the method used for registration.

Register with Federal and Local Governments

1. Obtain an Illinois Business Tax Number (IBN) from the Illinois Department of Revenue. This is required by all businesses, whether they hire employees, buy or sell products and services, or manufacture their own goods. To obtain this by mail or in person, fill out or send the correct paperwork to:

   Illinois Department of Revenue

   100 W. Randolph

   Chicago, IL 60601

   312-814-5232

   revenue.state.il.us

2. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (also known as an EIN or Federal Tax Identification Number) from the federal government. To register in person or by mail, fill out or send the correct paperwork to:

   IRS - Illinois

   230 S. Dearborn

   Chicago, IL 60604

   800-829-4933

   irs.gov

3. Obtain an Assumed Name Certificate if you run a sole proprietorship or partnership that operates under an assumed name. To apply in person or by mail, send the correct paperwork to:

   Cook County Clerk

   50 W. Washington

   East Concourse, Lower Level

   312-603-5652

   Chicago, IL 60602

   cookctyclerk.com

Apply for a Business License

1. Complete a Business Information Sheet. You can obtain this in person or online, at the website for the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection.

2. Obtain any outstanding materials that are required for your business license. See the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection's website for a list of special requirements and forms, based on business type.

3. Speak with a Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection consultant to determine the type of license you require. You can speak in person or online by going to:

   City of Chicago

   Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection

   121 N. LaSalle St., Room 800

   Chicago, IL 60602

   312-744-6249

   cityofchicago.org/bacp

   In-person hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tips & Warnings

• Call ahead to see if you have any additional paperwork or requirements you need for your business:

• Zoning Related Requirements: 1-312-744-6249

• General Requirements and Forms for Business: 1-312-744-6249

References

• City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection: 3 -Simple Steps to Obtain a Business License

Resources

• Illinois Secretary of State
• Illinois Department of Revenue
• Internal Revenue Service
• Cook County Clerk
• City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection