Start a Specific Business in Illinois

Industry-by-industry guides to licences, permits, startup costs and first steps for 68 kinds of Illinois business.

New to this? Start with the Illinois business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.

a Courier and Delivery BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Catering BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Junk Removal BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Handyman BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Bakery BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Towing BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Coffee Shop BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Lawn Care BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →an Electrical Business (No State License: What Cities Require)Licences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Plumbing Business: IDPH License and Contractor RegistrationLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →an HVAC Business: Local Licensing and EPA 608Licences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Roofing Business: Limited vs Unlimited Roofing LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Home Inspection BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Pest Control Business: IDPH Structural Pest Control LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Landscaping Business: Pesticide Licenses and Local RulesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Cleaning BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Locksmith Business: Agency and Individual LicensesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Security Company: PSC Agency License and PERC CardsLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Private Investigation BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Real Estate Brokerage: Broker and Managing Broker LicensesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Property Management Company: When You Need a Broker LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →Real Estate Wholesaling: The License Rule for Two or More DealsLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser and Start an Appraisal BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Hair Salon: Salon Registration and Cosmetology LicensesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a BarbershopLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Nail SalonLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Med Spa or Esthetics Studio: Licenses and Physician RulesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Massage Therapy BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Tattoo Shop: IDPH Body Art RegistrationLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Home Care Business: The Home Services Agency LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Home Health AgencyLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open an Assisted Living FacilityLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Group Home (CILA)Licences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Daycare: Day Care Home, Group Home and Center LicensesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a NEMT Business: Medicaid Enrollment and Vehicle RulesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Cottage Food Business Under the Home-to-Market ActLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Food Truck Business: City-by-City LicensingLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Restaurant: Health Permits, Food Manager Rules and LiquorLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Get a Liquor License: Local License First, Then the StateLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Brewery, Winery or Distillery: ILCC Manufacturer LicensesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Get a Video Gaming License: Terminal Operators and Licensed EstablishmentsLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary: License Types and Social Equity RoundsLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →Opening a CBD or Hemp Store After the 2026 Delta-8 BanLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Vape or Tobacco Shop: IDOR Retailer LicensesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Pawn Shop Under the 2024 Pawnbroker ActLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Trucking Company: Federal Authority, ICC and Apportioned PlatesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Moving Company: The ICC Household Goods LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a CDL or Driving SchoolLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Get a Car Dealer LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Become a Notary and Start a Notary or Signing Agent BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →an Insurance AgencyLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Mortgage Brokerage: The Residential Mortgage LicenseLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Tax Preparation BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Staffing Agency: Day and Temporary Labor RegistrationLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Become an Auctioneer and Start an Auction BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Dog Grooming, Boarding or Pet Store BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Vending Machine BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Dry Cleaning or Laundromat BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Farm Business: Licenses for Selling Eggs, Produce and AgritourismLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →a Hunting Outfitter or Fishing Guide BusinessLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →Airbnb: Statewide Hotel Tax and the Local Short-Term Rental RulesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Get a General Contractor License in Chicago: Classes A to ELicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →Chicago Electrical Contractor License: Supervising Electrician RulesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Get a Food Truck License in ChicagoLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Open a Restaurant in Chicago: Retail Food License, CDPH Inspection and TaxesLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →How to Get a Liquor License in ChicagoLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →Airbnb in Chicago: Shared Housing Registration, Licenses and Taxes for HostsLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →Chicago Public Place of Amusement (PPA) License for Venues and EventsLicences, permits and startup costs in IllinoisRead the guide →