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Illinois contractor intelligence

Illinois Contractor License & Trade Guide

Illinois does not use one universal contractor-license system. State-regulated work is divided among IDPH, IDFPR and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, while general contracting, electrical, HVAC and many building trades are controlled locally. This guide turns that fragmented system into practical permit-routing intelligence.

See Illinois Opportunities Explore Illinois Credentials

Research reviewed August 31, 2026 · always verify the live agency or local record before relying on a credential

Statewide GC licenseNo

General contracting is primarily local.

Core state agencies3

IDPH · IDFPR · OSFM

Roofing profession104

Limited and Unlimited authority.

Plumbing contractor055

IDPH business registration.

01 · Licensing model

How Illinois Actually Licenses Contractors

The important distinction is state-licensed specialty work versus locally licensed or registered building trades. The permit jurisdiction often determines the correct contractor gate.

There is no one Illinois contractor license.

Illinois licenses selected construction-related scopes through different agencies. IDPH regulates plumbing, irrigation and environmental-health credentials; IDFPR licenses roofing and private alarm contracting; OSFM handles fire sprinkler, elevator, boiler and petroleum-equipment programs.

General contractors, electricians, HVAC contractors and many other building trades are not covered by one statewide license. Chicago and other municipalities impose their own rules.

02 · Market-defining credentials

The Codes That Shape the Market

Wide horizontal rows keep every code readable. These are the Illinois credential families and routing labels most likely to matter when permit data turns into contractor targeting.

055

IDPH · STATE

Plumbing Contractor

State registration for businesses performing plumbing work; Illinois plumbing contractors register annually with IDPH.

Find in directory →

058

IDPH · STATE

Licensed Plumber

Individual Illinois plumber license; advertisements for plumbing services must include the plumbing license number.

Find in directory →

060

IDPH · STATE

Irrigation Contractor

Annual IDPH registration for lawn irrigation contractors and their registered employees.

Find in directory →

104

IDFPR · STATE

Roofing Contractor

Illinois roofing contractor profession code. IDFPR licenses both Limited and Unlimited roofing contractors under the 104 contractor credential family.

Find in directory →

124

IDFPR · STATE

Private Alarm Contractor

IDFPR profession code used for private alarm contractor licensing, relevant to fire/burglar alarm system work.

Find in directory →

FSC

OSFM · STATE

Fire Sprinkler Contractor

State Fire Marshal contractor license for regulated fire-sprinkler contracting; separate from alarm licensing.

Find in directory →

ELV

OSFM · STATE

Elevator Contractor / Mechanic

Illinois State Fire Marshal elevator-safety program licenses elevator contractors and mechanics.

Find in directory →

CHI-GC

CHICAGO · LOCAL

General Contractor Classes A–E

Chicago general contractor licensing is local. Class limits and separate trade licenses must be checked with the Department of Buildings.

Find in directory →

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03 · Trade routing

Priority Illinois Trade Guides

Each lane shows the credential gate, verification path and permit activity that can signal likely demand for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers.

055

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGPlumbing

License / registration gate

IDPH licenses plumbers and requires plumbing contractors to register with the state.

Verify through

IDPH Plumbing / license verification

Permit signals

Plumbing permits, water/sewer connections, remodels, commercial build-outs and new construction.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

060

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGIrrigation

License / registration gate

Lawn irrigation contractors register annually with IDPH and must register covered employees.

Verify through

IDPH Plumbing / Irrigation program

Permit signals

Irrigation permits, landscape packages, new subdivisions, commercial landscaping and backflow work.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

104

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGRoofing

License / registration gate

Roofing contracting is licensed statewide by IDFPR. Verify whether the business holds the appropriate Limited or Unlimited roofing authority.

Verify through

IDFPR Professional Regulation License Lookup

Permit signals

Roof replacement permits, storm restoration, commercial reroofing and new-building roofing packages.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

124

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGAlarm

License / registration gate

Private alarm contracting is licensed by IDFPR and should not be confused with OSFM fire-sprinkler licensing.

Verify through

IDFPR Professional Regulation License Lookup

Permit signals

Fire alarm, burglar alarm, low-voltage life-safety and tenant improvement permits.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

FSC

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGFire Sprinkler

License / registration gate

Fire sprinkler contractors are licensed by the Illinois State Fire Marshal under a separate life-safety program.

Verify through

Illinois OSFM Fire Sprinkler Program

Permit signals

New sprinkler systems, alterations, tenant build-outs, warehouses and fire-protection upgrades.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

ELV

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGElevator / Conveyance

License / registration gate

Elevator contractor and mechanic credentials are administered through the State Fire Marshal elevator-safety program.

Verify through

Illinois OSFM Elevator Safety

Permit signals

Elevator modernization, new conveyances, accessibility upgrades and major building renovations.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

BOIL

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGBoiler / Pressure Vessel

License / registration gate

Boiler and pressure-vessel activity falls under the State Fire Marshal boiler-safety program and related credential/inspection requirements.

Verify through

Illinois OSFM Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety

Permit signals

Boiler replacement, plant mechanical work, institutional projects and large HVAC/mechanical upgrades.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

UST

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGUnderground Storage Tank

License / registration gate

Businesses that install, remove, upgrade, repair, test or line UST systems require OSFM contractor licensing.

Verify through

Illinois OSFM Petroleum & Chemical Safety

Permit signals

Fuel-system permits, service stations, tank removal/replacement and environmental redevelopment.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

ASB

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGAsbestos Abatement

License / registration gate

IDPH regulates asbestos abatement contractors and licensed/certified professionals for covered work.

Verify through

IDPH Asbestos Program

Permit signals

Demolition, renovation, schools, public buildings and pre-renovation abatement activity.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

LEAD

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGLead Abatement

License / registration gate

Lead abatement professionals and contractors are regulated through Illinois public-health programs.

Verify through

IDPH Lead Program

Permit signals

Housing rehabilitation, lead hazard control, demolition and older-building renovation.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

CHI-GC

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGGeneral Building / Remodeling

License / registration gate

Illinois has no statewide general-contractor license. General building and remodeling requirements are local; Chicago has its own GC licensing structure.

Verify through

Local building department / Chicago DOB

Permit signals

Additions, alterations, tenant improvements, new buildings, remodels and structural permits.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

LOCAL

ILLINOIS TRADE ROUTINGElectrical / HVAC

License / registration gate

Illinois does not use a single statewide electrical or HVAC contractor license. Local jurisdiction rules control these trades, with Chicago maintaining separate contractor licensing.

Verify through

Local building department / Chicago DOB

Permit signals

Electrical permits, mechanical permits, refrigeration, service upgrades, rooftop units and tenant improvements.

TigerLeads use

Use permit data to identify timing and project scope, then route to properly credentialed companies. A permit is a signal, not proof of an open bid.

See Illinois Leads See 20 Data Points

04 · Searchable reference

Illinois License & Credential Directory

Search state credentials, local routing labels and design-professional gates. Labels such as CHI-GC and LOCAL are practical routing labels, not state-issued license prefixes.

Search by code, trade, agency or scope

37 entries

055

Plumbing Contractor

IDPH
State registration

058

Plumber

IDPH
State license

060

Irrigation Contractor

IDPH
State registration

104-L

Limited Roofing Contractor

IDFPR
State license type

104-U

Unlimited Roofing Contractor

IDFPR
State license type

105

Roofing Qualifying Party

IDFPR
Exam / qualifying-party credential

124

Private Alarm Contractor

IDFPR
State professional license

FSC

Fire Sprinkler Contractor

OSFM
State contractor license

DCP

Designated Certified Person

OSFM / Fire Sprinkler
Qualifier role

ELV-C

Elevator Contractor

OSFM
State credential

ELV-M

Elevator Mechanic

OSFM
State credential

BOIL

Boiler / Pressure Vessel

OSFM
Safety program

UST

UST Contractor

OSFM
State contractor license

ASB-C

Asbestos Abatement Contractor

IDPH
State credential

ASB-W

Asbestos Worker

IDPH
Individual credential

ASB-S

Asbestos Supervisor

IDPH
Individual credential

ASB-I

Asbestos Inspector

IDPH
Individual credential

ASB-PM

Asbestos Project Manager

IDPH
Individual credential

LEAD-C

Lead Abatement Contractor

IDPH
State credential

LEAD-W

Lead Worker

IDPH
Individual credential

LEAD-S

Lead Supervisor

IDPH
Individual credential

LEAD-I

Lead Inspector

IDPH
Individual credential

LEAD-RA

Lead Risk Assessor

IDPH
Individual credential

CHI-A

Chicago GC Class A

Chicago DOB
Local license

CHI-B

Chicago GC Class B

Chicago DOB
Local license

CHI-C

Chicago GC Class C

Chicago DOB
Local license

CHI-D

Chicago GC Class D

Chicago DOB
Local license

CHI-E

Chicago GC Class E

Chicago DOB
Local license

CHI-EC

Chicago Electrical Contractor

Chicago DOB
Local license

CHI-RC

Chicago Refrigeration Contractor

Chicago DOB
Local license

LOCAL-GC

Local General Contractor

Municipality / County
Local registration/license

LOCAL-ELEC

Local Electrical Contractor

Municipality / County
Local license/registration

LOCAL-HVAC

Local HVAC / Mechanical

Municipality / County
Local license/registration

LOCAL-PL

Local Plumbing Registration

Municipality / County
Local overlay

EPA608

EPA Section 608

Federal EPA
Federal certification

Professional Engineer

IDFPR
Design professional

ARCH

Architect

IDFPR
Design professional

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05 · Permit intelligence

Permit Signals → Credential Routing

Use the permit type to determine which Illinois state or local credential lane should be verified before outreach.

Project lanePlumbing

Credential055 / 058

Permit signal

Plumbing permit / water-sewer

Routing action

Verify IDPH + local

Project laneIrrigation

Credential060

Permit signal

Irrigation / landscape permit

Routing action

Verify IDPH

Project laneRoofing

Credential104

Permit signal

Reroof / roof replacement

Routing action

Verify IDFPR

Project laneFire Alarm

Credential124

Permit signal

Alarm / low-voltage permit

Routing action

Verify IDFPR + local

Project laneFire Sprinkler

CredentialFSC

Permit signal

Sprinkler permit / TI

Routing action

Verify OSFM

Project laneElevator

CredentialELV

Permit signal

Conveyance / modernization

Routing action

Verify OSFM

Project laneGeneral Building

CredentialLOCAL / CHI-GC

Permit signal

Addition / alteration / new building

Routing action

Verify jurisdiction

Project laneAsbestos

CredentialASB-C

Permit signal

Demolition / renovation

Routing action

Verify IDPH

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06 · Operating checklist

What Contractors Should Verify

Illinois is jurisdiction-sensitive. Verify both the state specialty credential and the local permit/registration layer whenever both apply.

State credential

Confirm active IDPH, IDFPR or OSFM status when the scope is state regulated.

Local registration

Check the city or county for general contractor, electrical, HVAC and local trade requirements.

License type

For roofing, verify the correct Limited or Unlimited authority; for other programs, confirm the exact credential and company relationship.

Permit status

Permit issuance identifies activity and timing but does not establish an open bid or guaranteed job.

Insurance / bonds

Check the issuing agency and project jurisdiction for current insurance, bond and registration requirements.

Current rules

Always use the live agency record because forms, profession codes, renewal rules and local ordinances can change.

07 · Primary authorities

Official Illinois Sources

Use these live agency resources for final credential verification. This guide is a routing aid, not a substitute for the issuing authority.

08 · FAQ

Illinois Contractor Licensing Questions

Fast answers to the Illinois licensing questions contractors, sales teams and permit-data users are most likely to ask.

01Does Illinois have a statewide general contractor license?+

No. Illinois does not use one statewide general-contractor license for ordinary building work. General contracting and many building trades are licensed or registered locally.

02Which construction trades are licensed at the state level?+

Important statewide programs include IDPH plumbing and irrigation, IDFPR roofing and private alarm contracting, and OSFM fire sprinkler, elevator, boiler/pressure-vessel and underground-storage-tank programs. Asbestos and lead also have state public-health credentials.

03What does 055 mean?+

055 is the Illinois plumbing-contractor registration number prefix used by IDPH.

04What does 058 mean?+

058 identifies the Illinois licensed-plumber credential family used by IDPH.

05What does 060 mean?+

060 is the irrigation-contractor registration prefix used by IDPH.

06Is 104 the Illinois roofing contractor code?+

Yes. Current IDFPR roofing-contractor applications use profession code 104. Limited and Unlimited are license types within the roofing-contractor profession.

07What is 105 in roofing?+

105 is used for the roofing qualifying-party examination/designation credential, not as a second contractor-license type.

08Who licenses fire sprinkler contractors?+

The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal licenses fire sprinkler contractors under a separate life-safety program.

09Who licenses fire and burglar alarm contractors?+

IDFPR licenses Private Alarm Contractors; this is separate from OSFM fire-sprinkler licensing.

10Are electricians licensed statewide?+

Illinois does not use a single statewide electrical-contractor license. Verify the local jurisdiction; Chicago has its own electrical-contractor licensing requirements.

11Is HVAC licensed statewide?+

Illinois does not use one statewide HVAC contractor license. Local requirements apply, and refrigerant work may also require federal EPA Section 608 certification.

12How does Chicago general-contractor licensing fit in?+

Chicago maintains its own Department of Buildings contractor licensing system, including general-contractor classes and separate trade licenses. Other municipalities can use different rules.

13Who verifies asbestos credentials?+

Use the Illinois Department of Public Health asbestos program and its current contractor/professional verification resources.

14Who verifies roofing licenses?+

Use the IDFPR Professional Regulation License Lookup and confirm the business license status and roofing authority.

15Who verifies UST contractors?+

Use the Illinois State Fire Marshal Petroleum & Chemical Safety contractor search.

16Does a state license replace a local permit?+

No. State licensing and local permitting are separate gates. A project may require both.

17Does a permit mean the project is open for bidding?+

No. A permit is a project signal, not proof of an open bid, available subcontract or guaranteed sales opportunity.

18How often should Illinois licensing data be rechecked?+

Recheck the issuing agency and local jurisdiction whenever relying on a credential, and refresh this resource when IDPH, IDFPR, OSFM or a major municipality changes its licensing process.

Turn Illinois Permits Into Earlier Opportunities.

TigerLeads helps construction companies identify permit-driven project signals, understand the work behind the record and reach the market earlier.

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