Starting a Business in Illinois Cities
City-level guides to starting a business and getting a business licence in 18 Illinois cities.
New to this? Start with the Illinois business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.
City Business Licences
Chicago Business License: Which BACP License You Need and the 2026 FeesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Aurora Business License: The City Registration and What Home Businesses NeedWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Naperville Business License: Occupancy Permits and Contractor RegistrationWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Joliet Business License: Registration vs the General Business License CategoriesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Rockford Business License: Category Licenses and Contractor RegistrationWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Elgin Business License: The Annual License and Electrical LicensingWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Springfield Illinois Business License: City Clerk Licenses and Contractor RulesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Peoria Business License: Occupational Licenses and Contractor BondsWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Waukegan Business License: Commercial and Home-Based LicensesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Cicero Business License: Town Licenses for Shops, Home Businesses and ContractorsWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Schaumburg Business License: Village License and Home-Based Business LicenseWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Evanston Business License: Registration, Food Licenses and Short-Term RentalsWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Arlington Heights Business License: Fees by Square FootageWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Palatine Business License: 2026 Fees and the $12 Home Occupation LicenseWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Skokie Business License: The Annual Business Permit and Skokie Health DepartmentWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Bolingbrook Business License: Fee Schedule by Business Type and SizeWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Champaign Business License: Which Businesses Need a City LicenseWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Bloomington-Normal Business License: Two Towns, Two Different RulesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →