Illinois Electrical Contractor License
Illinois doesn’t issue a statewide electrical contractor license. You must license where you work. In Chicago, the Department of Buildings licenses electrical contractors—your business needs a City‑licensed Supervising Electrician, proof of insurance/bond, and payment of the $150 initial/renewal fee. We outline exact steps and sources.
To get a electrical contractor license in Illinois, you license where you work—there is no statewide license. Municipalities regulate electrical contractors under 65 ILCS 5/11‑33‑1. In Chicago, the Department of Buildings licenses electrical contractors; your business must employ a City‑licensed Supervising Electrician and meet fee, exam, and insurance requirements.
Requirements last verified: 2026-10-30
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Licensing agency (Illinois scope) | Illinois has no statewide electrical contractor license; municipalities may require registration/licensing per 65 ILCS 5/11‑33‑1. |
| Licensing agency (Chicago example) | City of Chicago Department of Buildings; electrical contractor licenses (General or Low Voltage). See official guidance and 2026 fees on the City page Electrical Contractor License and Municipal Code Ch. 4‑290 §4‑290‑010/030/050. |
| Fees (Chicago) | $150 initial; $150 annual renewal (General or Low Voltage). Reinstatement: $100 per expired year; $50 admin processing for assisted changes. City schedule confirms $150 in Ch. 4‑5‑120 and the City page. Sources: City guidance (2026 table); Municipal Code §4‑5‑120. |
| Experience (to qualify the business) | Your business must employ at least one City‑licensed Supervising Electrician (qualifier). See Ch. 4‑292 (Supervising Electrician) and City guidance here. |
| Exam (Chicago qualifier) | Supervising Electrician exam (General or Low Voltage) administered for the City by Continental Testing Services; exam fee $150; open‑book on the Chicago Electrical Code. Minimum age 21 and ≥2 years cumulative building‑wiring experience verified by a Supervising Electrician’s letter. Source: CTS – Chicago 303 Supervising Electrician; City notes CTS processes licensing here. |
| Minimum age (qualifier) | 21 (Supervising Electrician exam eligibility). Source: CTS. |
| Insurance / bond (Chicago) | City requires proof of insurance and any required bond for licensed contractors; certificates must be updated with the Department of Buildings. Amounts are set by applicable Municipal Code/Title 4 provisions and project context; confirm during application/renewal. Sources: City guidance referencing insurance/bond updates here and Title 4 framework Ch. 4‑290. |
| Renewal (Chicago) | Annual; licenses valid 1 year from issuance; expired licenses may be reinstated within 3 years. Source: Ch. 4‑290‑040 and City guidance here. |
How to get an electrical contractor license in Illinois
- Confirm your jurisdiction. Illinois licenses locally, not statewide. Check the city/village/county where you’ll perform work. Statutory authority: 65 ILCS 5/11‑33‑1.
- Set up the business. Form your entity and obtain tax/business registrations. In Chicago, the license is issued to the business under Ch. 4‑290 §4‑290‑030.
- Designate a Supervising Electrician. Your company must employ a City‑licensed Supervising Electrician. Chicago authority: Ch. 4‑292; City overview here.
- Meet qualifier exam eligibility (if needed). For Chicago, your qualifier must be 21+ with ≥2 years cumulative building‑wiring experience and pass the CTS Supervising Electrician exam ($150). Source: CTS.
- Prepare insurance/bond. Chicago requires maintaining insurance and any bond applicable under Title 4; certificates must be current with the Department of Buildings. See City guidance here and Ch. 4‑290 here.
- Apply and pay fees. In Chicago, new applications are submitted via Continental Testing Services on behalf of the Department of Buildings; fees are $150 initial and $150 renewal per year. Sources: CTS – application portal; City fees here and §4‑5‑120.
- Pull permits and stay compliant. Chicago electrical permits must be linked to a valid electrical contractor or expediter license. Source: Electrical‑Only Permit instructions.
- Renew annually. Chicago licenses are one‑year terms; renew through the City portal. Late reinstatement: $100 per expired year (up to 3 years). Sources: §4‑290‑040/050; City guidance here.
Illinois electrical contractor license — what “no statewide license” really means
Under 65 ILCS 5/11‑33‑1, cities and villages set their own registration or licensing rules (many charge $25–$150 and may require proof of another Illinois municipal license). Large jurisdictions like Chicago have full business licensure for electrical contractors under Ch. 4‑290.
Chicago electrical contractor license specifics
License classes and fees
Chicago issues General and Low‑Voltage electrical contractor licenses; both are $150 to issue and renew annually per City guidance (2026) and fee table §4‑5‑120.
Supervising Electrician qualifier
Your business must employ a supervising electrician licensed under Ch. 4‑292. The exam (General or Low Voltage) is administered for the City by CTS; eligibility includes age 21+ and ≥2 years cumulative building‑wiring experience documented by letter; exam fee is $150. Source: CTS – Chicago 303.
Permitting and jobsite rules
Electrical‑only permits require linkage to a valid electrical contractor license. Class 1 work (e.g., tall buildings or large assemblies) has additional labor‑qualification rules. See City permit instructions here and Chicago guidance here.
Costs and planning your budget
Beyond licensing and exam fees, plan for insurance, bonding, permits, and continuing compliance. For a practical cost breakdown tailored to Illinois markets, see our Illinois electrical contractor license cost guide. If you work across trades, our Illinois trades contractor licensing guide provides cross‑trade requirements and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a statewide electrical contractor license in Illinois?
No. Illinois law lets municipalities regulate electrical contractors; there is no statewide electrical contractor license. See 65 ILCS 5/11‑33‑1.
Who licenses electrical contractors in Chicago, and what are the fees?
The Department of Buildings licenses electrical contractors (General or Low Voltage). Fees are $150 initial and $150 renewal per year; reinstatement is $100 per expired year. Sources: City guidance here and §4‑5‑120.
What qualifies my company for a Chicago electrical contractor license?
Your business must employ at least one City‑licensed Supervising Electrician, comply with insurance/bond documentation, and submit the application/fees. See Ch. 4‑290 and City guidance here.
How do I become the Supervising Electrician (qualifier) in Chicago?
Meet eligibility (21+ and ≥2 years building‑wiring experience) and pass the City’s Supervising Electrician exam (General or Low Voltage) administered by CTS; exam fee $150. Source: CTS – Chicago 303.
Do I need to register in every Illinois city?
Many municipalities accept another Illinois municipal electrical registration and, by statute, may charge up to $25 to register electrical contractors. Always confirm locally. Statute: 65 ILCS 5/11‑33‑1.
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Licensing Navigator researches business licensing requirements and organizes them into practical, state-by-state guidance. Our pages are research aids, not legal advice.