Is My Contractor Licensed in Illinois?
Quick answer
Illinois licenses a few home-service trades statewide: plumbers and structural pest control businesses through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and roofers through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The Attorney General notes that general contractors are not required to hold a state license, so for other trades check with your city, village or township. Plumbers: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Electricians: Local city, village or township. HVAC (heating and air): Local city, village or township. Roofers: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Checked September 30, 2026. Every rule below links to the official source; licensing rules change, so confirm with the board before you hire.
Plumbers in Illinois
Licensed by: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Under the Illinois Plumbing License Law, IDPH licenses plumbers, apprentice plumbers and plumbing contractors, and anyone who installs, alters, repairs or maintains plumbing systems in Illinois must be licensed. Plumbing contractors must also register with the state each year. You can check a plumber through the Plumbing License Verification link on the IDPH plumbing page.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, Plumbing · 34 plumbing companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
Electricians in Illinois
Licensed by: Local city, village or township
The Illinois Attorney General advises homeowners to contact their local village hall or township to find out whether a license is required for a contractor. Ask your city or village building department whether electricians must be licensed or registered there, and confirm the electrician with that office.
Source: Illinois Attorney General, Home Repair and Construction: What You Should Know · 9 electricians companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
HVAC (heating and air) in Illinois
Licensed by: Local city, village or township
For heating and air conditioning work, the Illinois Attorney General advises homeowners to contact their local village hall or township to find out whether a license is required. Check with your city or village building department before hiring, and ask whether the job needs a permit.
Source: Illinois Attorney General, Home Repair and Construction: What You Should Know · 15 hvac companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
Roofers in Illinois
Licensed by: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Under the Roofing Industry Licensing Act, it is unlawful to work as a roofing contractor in Illinois without an IDFPR license, and a limited license covers roofing on residential properties of 8 units or less. Look up the roofer by name or license number on the IDFPR license lookup.
Look up a license · Source: 225 ILCS 335/9, Roofing Industry Licensing Act, Licensure requirement · 7 roofing companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
Pest control in Illinois
Licensed by: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
IDPH licenses commercial structural pest control businesses and inspects each licensed business location, and a business must employ at least one certified technician before it can be licensed. Check the company through the Pest Control Business Search link on the IDPH structural pest control page.
Source: Illinois Department of Public Health, Structural Pest Control · 43 pest control companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
Garage door companies in Illinois
Licensed by: No statewide license
The Illinois Attorney General states that general contractors are not required to be licensed or certified in Illinois, though they may need a permit from the municipality where they work. Ask your city or village building department about local registration and permit rules for garage door installation.
Source: Illinois Attorney General, Home Repair and Construction: How to Choose a Contractor · 7 garage doors companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
Water damage restoration in Illinois
Licensed by: No statewide license
The Illinois Attorney General states that general contractors are not required to be licensed or certified, though they may need a municipal permit, so rebuild work after water damage is mainly regulated locally. Any plumbing repairs must be done by an IDPH-licensed plumber and any roof repairs by an IDFPR-licensed roofer. Check with your city or village about permits.
Source: Illinois Attorney General, Home Repair and Construction: How to Choose a Contractor · 117 water damage restoration companies in Illinois on 1-800Deals
Frequently asked questions
Does Illinois require a state license for general contractors?
No. The Illinois Attorney General states that general contractors are not required to be licensed or certified by the state, but they may need a permit from the municipality where they work.
How do I check if a roofer is licensed in Illinois?
Roofers must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and must show their license number on bids, contracts and vehicles. You can search the license on the IDFPR license lookup.
Who licenses plumbers in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers and apprentice plumbers, and plumbing contractors must register with it each year.
This page is general information, not legal advice. 1-800Deals does not license, verify or endorse contractors. See all states: contractor licensing by state.