Do You Need a General Contractor License for Roofing in Illinois?
Jul 25, 2025
Roofing is recognized as a unique profession in Illinois, which means you need a separate license. Roofers do not need a General Contractor license in most Illinois municipalities, except for Chicago and Aurora. These municipalities require a GC License for some major building projects, including roofing.
This guide will tell you if you need a General Contractor License for roofing, the license requirements, application steps, and costs.
Do Roofers Need a General Contractor's License in Illinois?
Roofers do not need a General Contractor License in most Illinois states. Chicago and Aurora are two exceptions that require a General Contractor License in addition to the Illinois Roofing License for some projects.
Roofers in the City of Chicago must obtain a general contractor license, especially when they have subcontractors or are the primary contractor party. Here's a list of the municipalities that require and do not require a GC license:
| Municipality/City | Requires a Roofing License? | Requires a GC License? |
| Chicago | Yes | Yes, for some projects |
| Aurora | Yes | Yes, for some projects |
| Rockford | Yes | No |
| Joliet | Yes | No |
| Naperville | Yes | No |
| Elgin | Yes | No |
| Springfield | Yes | No |
Note: Most of these areas might have local laws that require a GC License. Please check your local development authority to get an accurate idea of the requirements.
Penalties for Unlicensed General Contractors Working in Illinois
If you're caught working without the required general contractor license, you may face hefty fines and penalties, such as:
- Fines starting from $500 to $5,000 per violation.
- Stop Work Orders, which can halt your project until the licensing is resolved.
- Potential court action or license bans.
- Permit revocation if work was already underway without proper licensing.
How Much Is a GC License in Illinois?
A General Contractor license in Illinois can cost between $300 to $2,000+ annually, along with additional costs for:
- Insurance
- Bonds
- Permits
Overall, the license cost depends on your location and the size/class of the project. To break that down, here's a typical estimate of the license fee in the cities in Illinois:
GC License for Chicago
If you plan to operate in the City of Chicago, you must apply for a general contractor license through the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). Unlike other municipalities in Illinois, Chicago has a structured licensing system based on the project scope and value.
Here's how much a GC license may cost in Illinois:
- Class A (unlimited project value): $2,000/year.
- Class B (projects up to $10,000,000): $1,000/year.
- Class C (up to $5,000,000): $750/year.
- Class D (up to $2,000,000): $500/year.
- Class E (up to $500,000): $300/year.
You'll have to pay extra fees if your license expires. You will also need to acquire a building permit to work on roofs in Chicago.
GC License for Other Cities
Since the cost varies, here's roughly how much an Illinois contractor license might cost in other cities in the state of Illinois:
- Aurora: $200 for license, $200 for registrations, and a building permit fee varies by project size.
- Naperville: Around $10,000 surety bond, permit, and inspection fees vary by project.
- Peoria, DuPage County, Rockford: Ranges from $25 to $300, and the permit costs depend on the project scope.
What Are the Illinois General Contractor License Requirements?
Since there's no statewide general contractor license, all licensing decisions are made at the city or county level. Meaning, the licensing requirements vary, but most municipalities share a common set of baseline requirements.
Common General Contractor License Requirements
The exact process will differ, but here's what most cities require before becoming a general contractor in Illinois:
- Proof of Experience: Some cities ask for prior experience in construction or contracting. You can get this experience through a roofing apprenticeship or other trade programs.
- Certificate of Insurance: General Liability insurance is mandatory before becoming a licensed general contractor in Illinois. Expect to carry a minimum $1 million in general liability.
- Surety Bond: The bond requirements vary from city to city. But, a minimum $10,000 to $20,000 bond is required to protect clients in case of default or damages to the client's property.
- Business Registration: You must register your general contractor business with the Illinois Secretary of State and get licensed locally where required. We will explain how to start a roofing business in Illinois in our roofing classes.
- Complete Application Form: Attach all documents, including business details, scope of work, insurance documentation, and application fee payment.
Requirements in Chicago
In Chicago, general contractors must apply for their general contractor license through the Department of Buildings. The insurance coverages are divided into 5 different classes: A, B, C, D, and E.
Each class requires insurance coverage, a surety bond of $20,000, and payment of an annual licensing fee. We know it might sound confusing to you, but it doesn't have to be that way. Join our roofing classes, where we teach you everything you need to work legally as a successful roofer in Illinois.
How to Get a General Contractor License in Illinois?
The application process varies by municipality. Here's a general step-by-step guide to getting your GC license:
- Decide whether you'll operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or a corporation.
- Register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State at https://www.ilsos.gov/ and get a Federal EIN.
- Secure general liability insurance. A minimum coverage normally starts at $1 million, but this depends on your municipality and license class.
- Gather all your documents, provide a certificate of insurance, surety bond, proof of business registration, and a complete license application form.
- Submit your application with all documents attached to the relevant municipality government. If you're in Chicago, apply through the Department of Buildings.
- Whether it's a roofing contractor license or any other construction business, you've to pay the license fee and license renewal fee annually. The fee ranges; we recommend checking the specific Illinois department for it.
FAQs
What are the insurance requirements for a general contractor license in Illinois?
The insurance requirements for a general contractor license in Illinois typically include general liability insurance of a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and workers’ compensation coverage if the contractor has employees. However, municipalities like Chicago might require higher limits or specific endorsements depending on the license class.
How to get a general contractor license in Chicago?
Apply through the Department of Buildings, select the correct license class (A, B, C, or D), submit proof of insurance and bonding, complete the application, and pay the required fees. Moreover, you must renew the license annually to remain valid.
Do you need a general contractor license in Illinois online?
In Illinois, there is no statewide general contractor license available online. However, many cities, such as Chicago, require a local license, which you can apply for online through the municipal website. We recommend checking with your city or county to confirm local licensing and online application options.
Do I need a plumbing license in Illinois?
Yes, you need a plumbing license to perform plumbing work in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) requires all plumbers to be licensed, including apprentices and contractors.
Do I need an electrical contractor license in Illinois?
Yes, you need an electrical contractor license in Illinois, but licensing is handled at the municipal level. The state does not issue a statewide license for electricians. Cities like Chicago require electrical contractors to be licensed through the local Department of Buildings.
Bottom Line on GC License in Illinois for Roofing
Most roofers do not need a GC License in Illinois. The Illinois Limited and Unlimited Roofing Licenses already count as specialty certifications. However, in certain areas, it's mandatory to register as a general contractor before offering roofing as a subservice.
The need for a GC License changes based on municipalities. Chicago and Aurora are two vibrant examples of areas where you might need a GC License with a Roofing License for most major projects.
We highly recommend checking your local laws and regulations. If you're still worried, we'll explain the processes and needs in our roofing classes. We've helped thousands of roofers operate legally and successfully in Illinois. Join our roofing classes today.