Illinois contractor license bond
No statewide bondIllinois has no state contractor license bond.
Illinois doesn't license general contractors at the state level, so any GC bond is set by the municipality (commonly $5,000 to $50,000). Two trades are licensed and bonded statewide: roofing contractors need a continuous surety bond of $10,000 (limited license) or $25,000 (unlimited), and plumbing contractors are licensed through the Department of Public Health. Chicago and other cities add their own contractor bond requirements. [Source: Illinois IDFPR ↗]
Good to know
There's no statewide GC bond in Illinois, only specific trades (roofers $10k/$25k, plumbers) are state-bonded; general contractors follow local rules.
If your city requires a bond, estimate the cost
You pay a percentage of the bond amount each year, based on credit.
About 1.5–3.0% of a $25,000 bond.
Estimate only. Your real rate is set by the surety after a quick credit check, and the premium is typically nonrefundable once the bond is issued.
How to get licensed in Illinois
- 1Illinois has no statewide contractor license, so start with the building department in the city or county where you'll work and ask what they require.
- 2Meet that jurisdiction's local license, bond, and insurance rules — amounts vary by city, so confirm them directly.
- 3If you do electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, get the matching state trade license, which is issued separately.
- 4Keep your local registration and any trade licenses current as you renew.
Illinois contractor bond FAQ
Does Illinois require a contractor license bond?
No. Illinois has no statewide general contractor license or bond; GCs are licensed locally, while state-licensed roofers and plumbers carry their own bonds.
How much does a contractor license bond cost in Illinois?
You don't pay the full bond amount. You pay an annual premium that's a small percentage of it, usually around 1–3% with good credit and more while your credit is still building. Use the calculator above to estimate the premium for your bond amount.
Who regulates contractor licensing in Illinois?
Illinois has no single statewide contractor licensing agency — general contractors are licensed by city and county building departments. There's no statewide GC bond in Illinois, only specific trades (roofers $10k/$25k, plumbers) are state-bonded; general contractors follow local rules.
What does a contractor license bond protect?
A contractor license bond protects your customers and the licensing authority, not you. It guarantees you'll follow the state's contractor laws; if you break them and someone is owed money, they can file a claim against the bond, and you must repay the surety.
Is the bond premium refundable?
Generally no. Once the bond is issued, the premium is earned by the surety and is typically nonrefundable, even if you never have a claim. Most bonds run one to two years, and you renew to keep your license active.
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Bond requirements and amounts are set by Local / trade boards and can change. Confirm the current figure with the authority before you buy. This page is general information, not legal advice.