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Illinois licensing

Do I need a subdivision license in Illinois?

No. Illinois does not require a state-level subdivision license.

State Laws

Illinois licensing laws

10 verticals covered for Illinois

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Reviewed by Cornerstone Staff28 years of financial services state licensing experienceLast verified August 3, 2026

This guide covers 10 regulated activities in Illinois: Illinois Subdivision Bond Requirements, Illinois Charitable Solicitation Registration, Illinois Notary Bond Requirements, Illinois Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements, Illinois Auctioneer Bond Requirements, Illinois Debt Collection Laws & Regulations, Illinois Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements, Illinois Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing, Illinois Contractor License Bond Requirements, and Illinois Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements. For each one, the summary below names the state agency in charge. It shows whether a license or registration is required. It also shows whether Illinois calls for a surety bond before you can operate.

Oversight in Illinois runs through Local city or county government (plat approval authority) in Illinois, Illinois Attorney General, Charitable Trust Bureau, Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Illinois DFPR, and Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide general contractor license). 7 of the 10 need a surety bond before you can operate. The bond protects the state and your customers if you break the rules tied to your license.

States change their statutes and fee schedules often. Treat the details below as a starting point. Confirm the current rule with the regulator before you file. When you are ready, Cornerstone Licensing can prepare and submit the Illinois filings for you. We track every renewal date and keep your license in good standing year after year.

subdivision

Illinois Subdivision Bond Requirements

How subdivision (site improvement / plat) bonds work in Illinois: the enabling statute local governments rely on, how the bond amount is sized from the engineer's estimate, and what developers post to get a plat approved.

Application process

The bond is posted with the city or county that approves the plat, not a state agency. The local government (the obligee) sizes the security from the project engineer's estimate of the improvements still to be built (streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm drains, water and sewer), and the developer files the executed bond with the development or subdivision improvement agreement. Many Illinois jurisdictions reduce the required amount as phases are inspected and accepted.

Renewals

The bond stays in force until the local government inspects and accepts the improvements and releases the security; it is not renewed on a fixed license cycle.

Amounts are set locally under 65 ILCS 5/11-12-8, so two projects in different Illinois jurisdictions can face different security terms for the same scope of work. Confirm the exact security form and amount with the approving city or county before ordering the bond.

Key statutes

  • Municipal plat approval, completion guarantee (65 ILCS 5/11-12-8) . Municipal code provision under which Illinois municipalities require a bond or letter of credit guaranteeing completion of subdivision improvements before plat approval.

charitable registration

Illinois Charitable Solicitation Registration

A guide to charitable solicitation registration in Illinois: who must register with the Illinois Attorney General, Charitable Trust Bureau before asking Illinois residents for donations, common exemptions, renewal timing, and the professional fundraiser and charitable gaming rules that run alongside it.

Application process

Charitable organizations register with the Illinois Attorney General, Charitable Trust Bureau before soliciting contributions in Illinois, whether the ask happens in person, by mail, by phone, or online to Illinois residents. A typical filing includes the state registration form (or the multistate Unified Registration Statement where accepted), the IRS determination letter, articles of incorporation and bylaws, a list of officers and directors, the most recent IRS Form 990 or financial statements, and disclosure of any professional fundraiser contracts.

Common exemptions cover religious organizations, educational institutions, and small organizations under a revenue threshold, but exemption is rarely automatic; many states require an exemption filing. Registration fees are typically tiered to annual contributions; confirm the current schedule with the Illinois Attorney General, Charitable Trust Bureau.

Renewals

Charitable registrations in Illinois renew annually, generally keyed to the organization's fiscal year end, with updated financial reporting (IRS Form 990 or audited financials above the statutory revenue threshold) and the renewal fee. Late renewals can incur penalties and suspend the organization's authority to solicit.

Professional fundraisers, professional solicitors, and fundraising counsel must register separately in Illinois before working with charities, and paid solicitors typically post a surety bond. Charitable gaming (raffles, bingo, casino nights) is licensed separately where Illinois permits it. Nonprofits registering in multiple states also need a registered agent in each state where they are incorporated or qualified to do business.

Key statutes

  • Illinois charitable solicitation law (IL charitable solicitation statute) . Requires charitable organizations to register with Illinois Attorney General, Charitable Trust Bureau before soliciting contributions in Illinois, subject to statutory exemptions.

notary

Illinois Notary Bond Requirements

Illinois requires a $5,000 notary bond under 5 ILCS 312/2-105, filed with the Illinois Secretary of State. Electronic and remote notaries post a $30,000 bond under 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5.

Application process

Apply for or renew your notary public commission with the Illinois Secretary of State and file a $5,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the notary public commission term and renews on the same cycle (about every 4 years).

Electronic and remote notaries post a $30,000 bond under 5 ILCS 312/2-101.5.

Key statutes

  • Illinois Notary Public Act (5 ILCS 312/2-105) . Statutory basis for the Illinois notary bond requirement.

credit services

Illinois Credit Services Organization Bond Requirements

Illinois requires a $100,000 credit services organization bond under 815 ILCS 605, filed with the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department. Bond must stay in place for 2 years after the organization ceases operating in Illinois.

Application process

Apply for or renew your credit services organization registration with the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department and file a $100,000 surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond renews alongside the underlying credit services organization registration.

Bond must stay in place for 2 years after the organization ceases operating in Illinois.

Key statutes

  • Illinois Credit Services Organizations Act (815 ILCS 605) . Statutory basis for the Illinois credit services organization bond requirement.

auctioneer

Illinois Auctioneer Bond Requirements

Illinois does not require a surety bond to hold a auctioneer license. Illinois licenses auctioneers but requires neither a bond nor a recovery fund. Requirements can change; confirm with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Application process

No auctioneer bond filing applies in Illinois. Complete the standard auctioneer license process with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Renewals

No bond means no bond renewal cycle in Illinois. Keep the underlying auctioneer license current with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Illinois licenses auctioneers but requires neither a bond nor a recovery fund.

Key statutes

  • Illinois Auction License Act (225 ILCS 407) . Governing law confirming Illinois does not condition the auctioneer license on a surety bond.

debt collection

Illinois Debt Collection Laws & Regulations

Comprehensive guide to debt collection licensing requirements, regulations, and filing obligations in Illinois. Learn about licensing fees, bond requirements, key statutes, and regulatory bodies governing third-party debt collectors in Illinois.

Application process

To obtain a debt collection license in Illinois, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Illinois DFPR, provide a surety bond of $25,000, pass background checks for all control persons, and meet net worth or financial requirements. The application review typically takes 30-90 days.

Renewals

Debt collection licenses in Illinois generally require annual renewal. Renewal generally involves submission of a renewal application, payment of renewal fees, updated surety bond confirmation, and any required annual reports. Late renewals may incur additional penalties.

Third-party debt collectors operating in Illinois are also generally expected to comply with the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Illinois may impose additional requirements beyond federal standards, including restrictions on communication methods, required disclosures, and limitations on fees that may be collected.

Key statutes

  • Illinois Collection Agency Act (225 ILCS 425) . Licensing and practice standards

auto dealer

Illinois Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Illinois requires a $50,000 per location motor vehicle dealer bond under 625 ILCS 5/5-102, filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Application process

Apply for or renew your motor vehicle dealer license with the Illinois Secretary of State and file a $50,000 per location surety bond as part of the application. The surety issues the bond form the state accepts and files it for you.

Renewals

The bond runs with the motor vehicle dealer license term and renews on the same cycle (about every 1 year).

Key statutes

  • Illinois Vehicle Code dealer bond provision (625 ILCS 5/5-102) . Statutory basis for the Illinois motor vehicle dealer bond requirement.

money transmitter

Illinois Money Transmitter Laws & Licensing

Complete guide to money transmitter licensing in Illinois. Covers application requirements, surety bond amounts, net worth minimums, FinCEN registration, and key statutes governing money transmission in Illinois.

Illinois money transmitter requirements at a glance

Illinois money transmitter licensing requirements
Surety bond $100,000
Minimum net worth $100,000
Renewal cadence Annual
FinCEN MSB registration Required

Application process

To obtain a money transmitter license in Illinois, applicants generally need to submit a completed application to the Illinois DFPR, provide a surety bond of $100,000-$2,000,000, demonstrate minimum net worth of $100,000, provide audited financial statements, implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program, and pass background checks for all control persons. Many states now accept applications through NMLS. The application process typically takes 3-12 months depending on the state and complexity of the applicant's business model.

Renewals

Money transmitter licenses in Illinois generally require annual renewal. Renewal typically requires submission of audited financial statements, updated surety bond, quarterly or annual transaction reports, BSA/AML filing documentation, and payment of renewal fees. Some states require call report filings on a quarterly basis throughout the year.

Money transmitters operating in Illinois are also generally expected to register with FinCEN as a money services business (MSB) and implement a comprehensive BSA/AML filings program. This includes appointing a filings officer, developing written policies and procedures, conducting employee training, filing Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs), and submitting Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). Illinois may have specific requirements for cryptocurrency and virtual currency businesses.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. § 5311) . Federal BSA/AML requirements for money services businesses

contractor license

Illinois Contractor License Bond Requirements

Whether Illinois requires a contractor license bond, what the state's contractor licensing rules actually require, and which bonds Illinois contractors still need: project bid, performance, and payment bonds plus any city or county license bonds.

Application process

There is no statewide contractor license bond to file in Illinois. Illinois general contractors are licensed locally (Chicago and many suburbs), and several local programs require their own bonds. Contractors still encounter surety bonds at the project level (bid, performance, and payment bonds on public and many private jobs) and through city or county contractor licensing programs that require their own bonds.

Renewals

With no statewide license bond, there is nothing to renew at the state level in Illinois. Keep any local license or permit bonds and project bonds current under their own terms.

Cities and counties in Illinois can require their own contractor license or permit bonds even though the state does not. Confirm current requirements with Local city and county licensing offices (no statewide general contractor license) and the local jurisdiction before bidding.

Key statutes

  • Local licensing regime; state roofing licensure (225 ILCS 335 (roofing); municipal codes) . Illinois has no statewide general contractor license; roofing is the licensed exception and cities such as Chicago run their own contractor licensing.

mortgage

Illinois Mortgage Laws & Licensing Requirements

Complete guide to mortgage licensing requirements in Illinois. Covers MLO licensing through NMLS, lender and servicer licensing, bond requirements, and key statutes governing mortgage origination and servicing in Illinois.

Application process

Mortgage companies generally apply through the NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) for Illinois mortgage licensing. Requirements include a completed MU1 form, surety bond, audited financial statements, business plan, background checks (FBI criminal and credit) for all control persons, and net worth requirements. Individual MLOs are generally required to complete pre-licensing education (20 hours minimum including 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, 2 hours of non-traditional lending, plus Illinois-specific hours), pass the SAFE MLO test, and submit an MU4 form through NMLS.

Renewals

Mortgage licenses in Illinois are renewed annually through NMLS. Company renewals require updated financial statements, bond confirmation, and payment of renewal fees. MLOs are generally required to complete continuing education (8 hours minimum annually, including Illinois-specific requirements) and pay renewal fees through NMLS. The renewal period typically runs November 1 through December 31.

All mortgage companies and MLOs operating in Illinois are generally required to be registered through NMLS. Illinois participates in the CSBS multi-state licensing process. Additional requirements may include maintaining a physical office, appointing a qualified individual, and filings with both state and federal regulations including TILA, RESPA, and the Dodd-Frank Act.

Federal baseline

Federal law applies in every state, not just this one.

  • SAFE Act (12 U.S.C. § 5101) . Federal framework for MLO licensing through NMLS

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State Laws

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Licenses in Illinois

Illinois licenses by industry

Every regulated vertical we track in Illinois, with the full law summary and the direct application path for each license type.

Bonds and insurance in Illinois

Where Illinois conditions a license on a posted surety bond, these pages carry the statutory bond amount and filing steps.

Illinois regulator contacts

The state agencies that issue and oversee the licenses above.

Planning tools and data

Scope a Illinois expansion before you file.

Registered agent coverage in Illinois

Every registered entity in Illinois needs an agent of record. Requirements, live pricing, and same-day ordering.

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Regulatory Watch

Stay Ahead of the Rules

Recent rule changes, deadline announcements, and state agency updates we are tracking for you.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS MTMA Adoption Tracker Updated, 31 States Enacted in Full or Part

    CSBS updated its Money Transmission Modernization Act tracker in August 2026 and reported that 31 states had enacted the law in full or in part. The update is not a single state rule, but it is a meaningful cross-state licensing development for money transmitters.

  • Action CSBS Aug 4, 2026

    CSBS Comment Letter on Federal Reserve Payment System Risk and Account Access Proposal

    On July 24, 2026, CSBS posted a comment letter on proposed revisions to the Federal Reserve Policy on Payment System Risk and the guidelines for account and services requests. This is a policy advocacy item rather than a binding regulatory change.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Remote Work Status Details Due for 2027 Renewal Readiness

    NMLS directed companies to complete MLO remote work status details by August 31, 2026 to prepare for the 2027 renewal cycle. This was an active operational requirement during the review period.

  • Action NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS 2026 Disclosure Question Updates Require Completion Before 2027 Renewal Activity

    NMLS implemented revised MU4 and MU2 disclosure questions earlier in 2026, and the system urged affected users to complete updates by August 31, 2026. The change remained active during the July 21 to August 4 period and could affect filing workflows.

  • Watch CSBS / NMLS Aug 4, 2026

    NMLS Modernization Phase Three Scheduled for August 2026

    CSBS indicated that NMLS Modernization Phase Three is scheduled for August 2026. The planned changes include state agency task management for the individual licensing process and improved two-way communication for review items.