How long does it take to get a business license in Illinois?
The timeline for getting a business license in Illinois depends on the type of business, registration method, and specific licensing requirements.
1. Illinois Business Registration (IBT Number)
Most businesses must register for an Illinois Business Tax (IBT) number if they plan to sell goods, hire employees, or collect sales tax.
- Online registration through MyTax Illinois: Usually processed in 1–2 business days
- Paper registration (Form REG-1): Typically processed within 7–10 business days
2. Local Business Licenses
Municipalities such as Chicago and others may require their own licenses.
City of Chicago Business License:
- Online applications are processed in 5–15 business days, depending on the type of business
- Businesses requiring zoning clearance or inspections may take 2–4 weeks or longer
3. Industry-Specific Licenses
Some businesses (e.g., food service, childcare, construction, healthcare) must obtain professional or regulatory licenses at the state or local level.
Processing times vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the agency and approval process.
At One IBC USA, we simplify business setup by handling your Illinois registration, tax ID, and local licensing requirements all with full compliance and efficiency.
Contact us today to launch your business in Illinois with expert support from start to finish.
