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Painting Contractor — PC
Total cost: $150-$500
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
No
License Required
N/A
License Type
No
Exam Required
No
Experience Required
No
Bonding Required
$150-$500
Total Initial Fees
State contractor licensing requirements for painting contractors
Mostly verifiedLicense Required
No
Exemptions
Illinois does not require a state-level contractor license specifically for painting. A general business license is typically required. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.
Not sure if you need a painting contractor license? Check whether your state requires one.
Experience, Education & Examination Requirements
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
No
Exam Required
No
Illinois does not require specific experience or exams for painting contractors at the state level. All painting contractors working on pre-1978 homes should obtain EPA RRP certification for lead paint safety.
Insurance & Bonding Requirements
Mostly verifiedGeneral Liability
Not required by state (recommended)
Workers' Compensation
Required for all employers with employees under Illinois law
Surety Bond
Not required by state
Insurance requirements vary by state. Even in states that do not mandate insurance for painting contractors, carrying general liability insurance ($1,000,000+ recommended) and workers' compensation insurance is strongly recommended to protect your business and clients. Surety bonds protect consumers if a contractor fails to complete work or meet obligations.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Business License Fee General business license/registration fee for Illinois | $150-$500 |
Total Initial Fees Business license/registration fee only — no state contractor license required for painting. | $150-$500 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
Mostly verifiedN/A — no state license
Renewal Period
N/A
Renewal Fee
Not Required
Continuing Education
Regulatory Board
Illinois does not require a state contractor license for painting. Business registrations should be kept current per local requirements. EPA RRP certification must be renewed every 5 years.
Illinois does not have a statewide painting contractor license. However, Chicago and some municipalities require contractor licensing or registration.
Illinois does not require a state-level contractor license specifically for painting work.
A general business license or registration is typically required at the state or local level.
EPA Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule certification is required for work on pre-1978 homes that disturbs lead-based paint. This is a federal requirement that applies in all states.
Workers' compensation insurance is required in Illinois: Required for all employers.
Accurate — EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR Part 745) is a federal requirement administered by the EPA, applicable in all states including Illinois
Painting Contractor requirements in nearby states
See how Illinois compares: Painting Contractor License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Painting Contractor licensing requirements nationwide →
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Painting Contractor Schools in Illinois
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Study guides and business resources for painting contractor licensing exams.
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Painting Contractor requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Moving to Illinois? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Painting Contractor license to Illinois →
Transfer your Painting Contractor license from Illinois to: Indiana → | Iowa → | Kentucky → | Missouri → | Wisconsin →
Illinois does not require a state contractor license specifically for painting. All painting contractors working on pre-1978 homes must obtain EPA RRP certification. Licensing is managed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.