Illinois has no statewide general-contractor license — GC is local (e.g. Chicago). The state licenses roofing contractors (IDFPR) and plumbers (IDPH). Verify a roofer on IDFPR's 'Check a License'; verify a GC with your city/county.
1. Get the license number + legal business name
Ask the contractor for their Illinois license or registration number and the exact legal name it's held under. A real contractor gives this without hesitation — it's on their truck, estimates, and contract.
2. Look up the trade license — and check locally for a GC
For a licensed trade, use the IDFPR (roofing) & Dept. of Public Health (plumbing) directly. Illinois has no statewide general-contractor license — GC is local (e.g. Chicago). The state licenses roofing contractors (IDFPR) and plumbers (IDPH). Verify a roofer on IDFPR's 'Check a License'; verify a GC with your city/county. For a general contractor, Illinois verification happens at your city or county building department.
3. Confirm the status is ACTIVE
Only an active (or current) status means they're licensed today. Expired, suspended, or revoked is a hard stop — and a contractor who let it lapse is telling you something.
4. Check the classification matches your job
Licenses are scoped to specific trades. Confirm the classification covers the work you're hiring for, and that the name on the license matches the name on your contract.
5. Check bond, insurance, and complaints where shown
Many boards also show bond amount, workers' compensation, and complaint or disciplinary history. A bond and active workers' comp protect you; an open complaint is worth a direct conversation before you sign.
Illinois contractor-license FAQ
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in Illinois?
Illinois has no statewide general-contractor license — GC is local (e.g. Chicago). The state licenses roofing contractors (IDFPR) and plumbers (IDPH). Verify a roofer on IDFPR's 'Check a License'; verify a GC with your city/county. So: verify a licensed trade at the IDFPR (roofing) & Dept. of Public Health (plumbing), and verify a general contractor with your city or county building department. Either way, confirm the status is ACTIVE and the name matches your contract.
Who licenses contractors in Illinois?
Illinois has no statewide general-contractor license — GC is local (e.g. Chicago). The state licenses roofing contractors (IDFPR) and plumbers (IDPH). Verify a roofer on IDFPR's 'Check a License'; verify a GC with your city/county.
Does ProFix verify Illinois contractor licenses?
We link the official IDFPR (roofing) & Dept. of Public Health (plumbing) lookup on every Illinois contractor's profile so you can confirm the license at the source. We never invent or imply a credential a contractor doesn't hold.
Couldn't verify them — or want a vetted second option?
The IDFPR (roofing) & Dept. of Public Health (plumbing) is always the system of record — confirm status there first. If a contractor won't share a license number, the status comes back inactive, or you just want another quote, get matched with license-checked Illinois pros.
Find a verified Illinois contractor
Browse Illinois home-services pros — many with a board-verified license you can confirm in one click.