Illinois Contractor License Bond

In Illinois, contractors must obtain a Contractor License Bond as a requirement for obtaining a contractor license. The bond serves two critical purposes. Firstly, to ensure that contractors who provide construction work adhere to state laws. Secondly, to provide compensation to the public of Illinois in the event of financial harm resulting from the contractor's violation of licensing regulations.

Example contractor at work

How Much Does Illinois Contractor License Bond? 

Here, you'll find a comprehensive list of various bonds required for contractors in different regions of Illinois. Take a look at the bond type, amount, and starting price for each area. Whether you need a Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Contractor Bond, a Cook County Demolition Bond, or a City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor Bond, we have a wide range of reliable options to suit your licensing needs.

Bond Type Bond Amount + Pricing
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Limited Roofing Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Unlimited Roofing Contractor Bond $25,000, starting at $113
Department of Public Health Irrigation and Lawn Sprinkler Systems Contractor Bond $20,000, starting at $90
Department of Public Health Plumbing Contractor Bond $20,000, starting at $90
Cook County Billboard, Sign, or Signboard Contractor Bond $25,000, starting at $113
Cook County Demolition Bond 1-3 Story Structures $20,000, starting at $45
Cook County Demolition Bond 4+ Story Structures $40,000, starting at $200
Cook County Demolition Leveling Bond $450, starting at $45
Dupage County Contractor Bond $20,000, starting at $90
Grundy County Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $45
Kankakee County Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Monroe County Electrical Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Rock Island County Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Will County Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Aledo Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Alton Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $45
Village of Alsip Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Village of Alsip Contractor Bond $10,001-$225,000, starting at $90
City of Bloomington HVAC Contractor Bond $2,000, starting at $45
City of Carbondale Electrician Bond $3,500, starting at $45
City of Chicago Bridge Permit Bond $1,000-$90,000, starting at $90
City of Chicago Drain Layer Bond $45,000, starting at $225
City of Chicago Electric Sign Bond $25,000, starting at $113
City of Chicago Heights Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Chicago Plumbing Contractor Bond $20,000, starting at $90
Town of Cicero Contractor Bond General, Electrical, Exterminator, Heating & Air Conditioning, Roofing, Plumbing, Asbestos Removal, Sign Installer/Erector, Board Up Service, Sewer & Drain Contractor $10,000, starting at $90
Town of Cicero Contractor Bond Excavating, Wrecking, Tank Installer/Remover $20,000, starting at $90
Village of Clarendon Hills Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Village of Coal City Contractor Bond All other contractors $10,000, starting at $90
Village of Coal City Contractor Bond General Contractor $20,000, starting at $90
City of Colona Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Country Club Hills Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Countryside Contractor Bond Electrician, Fence Erector, Carpenter, HVAC, Asphalt Concrete, Brick Mason General Contractor, Landscape, Window/Door – Gutter – Siding Installers City of Countryside Contractor Bond Demolition $20,000, starting at $90
City of Des Plaines Contractor Bond Sign Installer $5,000, starting at $90
Village of Dolton Contractor Bond All other contractors $10,000, starting at $90
Village of Dolton Contractor Bond Demolition contractors only $20,000, starting at $90
Village of Downers Grove Contractor Bond $15,000, starting at $68
City of East Peoria Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Effingham General Contractor Bond $20,000, starting at $90
City of Elgin Contractor Bond $20,000, starting at $90
City of Evanston Street Obstruction Bond $1,000-$90,000, starting at $45
Village of Forest View Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Glenwood Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Joliet Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $45
Village of Lakewood Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Naperville Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
Village of Riverdale Contractor Bond $2,500, starting at $90
Village of Riverdale Contractor Bond Electrical Contractors $5,000, starting at $90
City of Rock Falls Contractor Bond $15,000, starting at $90
City of Silvis Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90
City of Springfield Contractor Bond $5,000, starting at $90
Village of Willowbrook Contractor Bond $10,000, starting at $90

 

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FAQs

What Type of Contractors are Required to be Licensed in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, state-issued licenses are necessary for only two types of contracting work: 

  • Plumbing
  • Roofing

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is in charge of plumbing and takes care of different aspects, such as granting licenses for plumbers, plumbing contractors, plumbers' apprentices, irrigation contractors, and retired plumbers.

For roofing, roofing licenses are handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

It’s important to note that although the state of Illinois makes it mandatory for contractors to get a license for plumbing and roofing, licensing requirements for general contractors and specilaty contractors are regulated at city or county level. We highly recommend that you check with your city county what their specific requirements are. 

What are the types of plumbing licenses in Illinois?

In Illinois, you can get different types of plumbing licenses based on the specific kind of plumbing work you will be doing.

  • Plumber’s License: mandatory for every individual to obtain this license to perform any type of plumbing work.
  • Apprentice Plumber’s License: permits an individual to do work under the direct guidance of a fully licensed plumber.
  • Plumbing Contractor License: After obtaining your plumber's license, you can apply for this type of license, which allows plumbing work to be conducted by a licensed business.
  • Irrigation Contractor License: This license permits a licensed plumber to work on sprinkler systems.
  • Retired Contractor License: This type of license doesn't allow an individual to do any plumbing work. Instead, it serves as proof that they had previously obtained their license in case they wish to reinstate it later. This option is only available for individuals who are 62 years old and above.

Here are the applications and registration fees involved for each type of plumbing license

What are the types of roofing licenses in Illinois?

There are two types of roofing contractor licenses: 

  • Limited Roofing Contractor License: This license is specifically for contractors who only work on residential roofing, including houses with 8 units or fewer.
  • Unlimited Roofing Contractor License: This license allows contractors to handle any roofing project. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

The licensing application for registering as a roofing contractor, whether limited or unlimited rooding contractor, is $125. 

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What steps do I need to take to get a plumbing contractor license in Illinois?

To get your plumbing contractor license in Illinois, you must have a plumbing license before applying for a plumbing contractor license. This involves a process of learning, training, and testing. It takes around 4 years to complete the license requirements. The process involves:

  • Finish the required training: This training can be done through an apprenticeship or by taking a course at an approved college, university, or trade school. To apply for an apprenticeship, you should have completed at least 2 years of high school and be at least 16 years old. Once you complete the apprenticeship successfully, you can apply for your Apprentice Plumbing License.
  • Have the required work experience: You must work under a licensed plumber for 4-6 years to gain work experience. Once you complete the required on-the-job training, you can apply for your plumbing license.
  • Pass the state licensing exam: You must complete the application and pay a $175 exam fee at least 30 days before the test date. 

Applications can be mailed to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Plumbing Program
525 W. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761

After all of this is done, the applicant is now eligible to apply for a plumbing contractor license in Illinois. The requirements for a plumbing contractor license are:

  • A copy of your plumbing license. The license must be valid for at least 60 days after registration is issued
  • $150 registration fee
  • A certificate of insurance: $100,000 general liability, $300,000 bodily injury, $50,000 property damage, and $500,000 workers compensation.
  • A surety bond in the amount of $20,000
  • A completed Plumbing Contractor License Application

Applications may be mailed to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Plumbing Program
525 W. Jefferson St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761

What are the requirements to get a roofing contractor license in Illinois?

Those who want to become a roofing contractor, whether limited or unlimited, need to fill out the same application form. The requirements for a roofing contractor license are:

  • Pass a Roofing Examination
  • Complete the Roofing Application
  • Have a certificate of insurance: $250,000 property damage, $500,000 general liability  per occurence of personal injury or bodily harm
  • Surety bond in the amount of $10,000
  • Pay the fee of $125

What if I don’t get the required contractor license in Illinois?

For plumbers in Illinois, a first offense can lead to a $1,000 fine if there are no violations of the Illinois Plumbing Code. However, if there are violations, the fine for the first offense can be $3,000. A second offense can result in a $3,000 fine, and if there are more offenses, the fines can go up to $5,000.

Roofing without a license in Illinois can also lead to high fines, with each offense being punishable by up to $5,000.

Also, each city or town in Illinois can choose its own fines and penalties, so it's better to play it safe and follow all the rules.

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