How much does an Illinois contractor license bond cost?
The cost of and Illinois contractor license bond varies due to factors such as the bond amount and the risk associated with the license type in question. Many county or municipality-specific contractor bonds may be issued instantly for 1% of the total bond amount. For example, a general contractor who needs a $10,000 bond may be able to purchase their bond online for just $100.
Get started by selecting your county or municipality from the list at the top of the page.
State-Required Contractor Bonds
| Bond Type | Bond Amount | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 Plumbing Contractor Bond Expires September 30 | $20,000 | Starts at $100 | |
| $10,000 Limited Roofing Contractor Bond | $10,000 | Starts at $100 | GET A QUOTE |
| $25,000 Unlimited Roofing Contractor Bond | $25,000 | Starts at $250 | GET A QUOTE |
| $20,000 Irrigation Contractor Bond Expires February 28 | $20,000 | Starts at $100 |
Applications for certain license types, such as demolition contractors, are seen by underwriters as being of greater risk and must be reviewed before the cost of the surety bond can be determined. Even with the high risk, applicants who are highly qualified may still be approved for just 1-3%.
Several municipalities in Illinois require contractor bonds to run concurrently with the license, meaning the term of the bond must end on a specific date. This may mean the cost of the bond can fluctuate if the initial bond term is slightly longer or shorter than the standard 12-month term.
Ready to get your Illinois contractor license bond? Select your bond from the list at the top of the page to get started!
Why are contractors bonded?
Contractors are bonded to protect the obligee as well as the general public from any damage that may occur as a result of the contractor’s failure to comply with all state and local rules and regulations.
If the contractor causes harm to either the obligee or the public, a claim may be made against the contractor’s bond. If the claim is valid, the surety may pay out up to the full bond amount to settle the claim. Once the claim is resolved, the contractor will be responsible for repaying the surety for all money paid to cover the claim.
Illinois contractor license types
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requires roofing contractors to be licensed and bonded prior to conducting contracted work anywhere in the state. Plumbing contractors must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Health. Most other contractors are also required to be licensed and bonded by the county or municipality in which they will be working, pursuant to 50 ILCS 830. This law applies to all counties, municipalities and home rule units except the city of Chicago.
Customers Nationwide
Contractor surety bonds are most commonly required at the municipal level for the following licenses:
- general
- building or construction
- wrecking or excavation
- electrical
- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
- masonry
How to get a contractor license in Illinois
To get an Illinois contractor license, contractors must follow all steps established by the state or the county or municipality in which they are applying. Regardless of the obligee, there are four requirements almost all applicants must complete prior to being licensed:
- Complete and submit an application to the appropriate licensing entity
- Obtain insurance and a surety bond in the required amounts
- Pay any licensing fees
- Complete any education requirements established by the obligee
Cook County Contractor License Bond Requirements
Cook County has its own specific bond requirements for demolition contractors, and a $25,000 surety bond is required for billboard, sign, or signboard contractors.
- Demolition Contractor Requirements
- $500 required for demolition leveling
- $20,000 required for the demolition of 3 stories or less
- $40,000 required for the demolition of 4 stories or more
As the largest city in Cook County, Chicago also has specific bond requirements for wrecking contractors that are similar to those of Cook County, as well as a $20,000 plumbing contractor license bond requirement.
- Wrecking Contractor Requirements
- $500 required for clean up only
- $20,000 required for wrecking a building up to and including 3 stories
- $40,000 required for wrecking a building of any size
Need a surety bond for a construction project?
Payment bonds and performance bonds are often required for specific construction projects. No matter the state, SuretyBonds.com can get you the bond you need for your next job.
Additional Resources
- Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation: Roofing Contractor License
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Plumbing Contractor License
- 50 ILCS 830: Contractor Unified License and Permit Bond Act
- Cook County Contractor Registration Information
- Cook County Contractor Registration Application and Affidavit
- Cook County Contractor Bond Forms
- Chicago General Contractor License Application
- Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 4-336
- City of Chicago Contractor License Requirements and Applications