Illinois contractor license renewal rules

Illinois has no statewide electrical contractor or electrician license; electrical work is not on the IDFPR list of regulated professions. Cities and counties license electrical contractors (for example, the City of Chicago Department of Buildings issues Electrical Contractor licenses). Requirements such as exams, insurance, bonds and a supervising electrician vary by jurisdiction.

Illinois has no statewide general contractor license; general contracting is not on the IDFPR list of regulated professions. Cities and counties license general contractors (for example, the City of Chicago Department of Buildings licenses general contractors in Classes A to E based on project value). Roofing and plumbing are licensed separately at the state level. The Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act sets rules for residential repair contracts but is not a license.

Illinois has no statewide HVAC contractor license. HVAC and mechanical contractors are not on the IDFPR list of regulated professions, and the IDPH plumbing and pest programs do not cover HVAC work. Licensing or registration is handled by cities and counties (for example, the City of Chicago Department of Buildings). EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants. Check the rules in each city or county where you work.

Technician certification fee is $75 for the original certificate and $75 to renew. The IDPH rule requires 9 classroom hours per 3-year cycle; Illinois Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator rules are separate and have different hours.

Each licensed location must employ at least one Illinois certified technician. The certificate of insurance (IDPH form) must come from an insurer authorized in Illinois, name IDPH as holder, give 30 days notice of cancellation and be kept continuous. Original business license fee $250. Non-commercial registrations renew for $125. Pesticide licensing by the Illinois Department of Agriculture may also apply to non-structural work. IDPH Structural Pest Control Program: 217-782-5830, [email protected].

The plumber license qualifies the Plumber of Record for a contractor registration. Child support compliance is certified at renewal. Apprentice plumber license is $100 a year and retired plumber license $25 a year. Chicago issues its own plumber licenses; Chicago plumbers who run a contracting business still register the company with IDPH.

The Plumber of Record must be the sole owner, a partner, a corporate officer or an LLC manager or member, must hold a plumber license valid at least 60 days after the registration is issued, and cannot be Plumber of Record for more than one company. Notify IDPH within 15 days of changes in business structure, name, location or the Plumber of Record. The insurance certificate must name IDPH Plumbing Program as holder; binders and continuous certificates are not accepted. The $20,000 bond must be on the IDPH form and expire September 30 of the current year. IDPH Plumbing Program: 217-524-0791.

Renewal requires a statement that insurance and bonding are still in place, the fee ($62.50 per year, so $125 per two-year term) and the name of the designated qualifying party. The qualifying party holds a separate IDFPR Roofing Contractor Qualifying Party license. Notify IDFPR within 30 business days if the qualifying party leaves. Application fee $125. IDFPR: 1 (888) 473-4858, licensing questions 800-560-6420.

Renewal requires a statement that insurance and bonding are still in place, the fee ($62.50 per year, so $125 per two-year term) and the name of the designated qualifying party. The qualifying party holds a separate IDFPR Roofing Contractor Qualifying Party license. Notify IDFPR within 30 business days if the qualifying party leaves. Application fee $125. IDFPR: 1 (888) 473-4858, licensing questions 800-560-6420.