If you register by mail or fax, you should receive your Certificate of Registration or License in approximately 6-8 weeks. Furthermore, for some types of licenses, the City will contact the alderman, police, and neighbors in your area to get their opinion on issuing a license. If there are complaints, the City may deny the license. Appeals can take months to resolve.
Incorporation and Business Registration Fees
The State of Illinois charges $125 to incorporate plus expedited filing fees. Registering an LLC costs $500 plus a $250 annual fee. Annual corporation fees start at $100. Business license fees vary.
Obtaining a Chicago Business License
A Chicago Business License is required to conduct any business in Chicago. After a business completes its application and meets requirements, Chicago takes 90 days to approve a license. The process involves confirming correct zoning.
Tips for Expediting the Business License Process
While it’s difficult to estimate how long it’ll take to get a business license, there are a few things you can do to expedite the process. To start, if your state or city offers online applications, apply for your business license online. This will be faster than mailing an application.
Starting a Business in Chicago
Mentorship programs like SCORE Chicago and Women’s Business Development Center guide small business owners in Chicago. On average, starting a small Chicago business takes weeks due to paperwork and licenses. Apply early for slow-processing licenses. Do not delay your opening waiting for permits.