A Chicago business license is required to conduct, engage in, maintain, operate, or manage any business in the City of Chicago. However, there are business activities regulated by the State of Illinois that may be exempt from City licensing.
For questions, call 312.74. GOBIZ (744-6249) or 312.44. 1944 for TTY, or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.
To talk to someone or get assistance with your Chicago building permit, contact the Department of Buildings at dob-info@cityofchicago or by calling 312-744-3449.
Welcome to Chicago Business Direct. Our new and improved site combines all of your city license and tax needs in one place. Business owners, and/or their legal representatives, may apply for City of Chicago business licenses, renew business licenses, file tax returns, and make tax payments online.
If you register by mail or fax, you should receive your Certificate of Registration or License electronically or through the mail, depending on the tax type, in approximately six to eight weeks.
Notifications should be sent to “City of Chicago - Small Business Center, 121 N. LaSalle St., Room 800, Chicago, IL 60602” or via email at businesslicense@cityofchicago. Please include your contact information in case we have any questions.