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General Business License

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In order to effectively protect the public health, general welfare, and safety of the citizens of Cook County, the County Board has determined that businesses operating in Unincorporated Cook County will be required to obtain a Cook County General Business License.

 

This new requirement will allow the County Government to ensure businesses operating in Unincorporated Cook County, are in compliance with public health and public safety standards, as well as with all other County ordinances. This will prevent illegal businesses from negatively influencing legitimate commerce and protect consumers from bad business practices.

 
 

Who has to apply:

Any person or business in unincorporated Cook County will need to obtain a GBL if:
*They maintain a fixed place of business.
*They own or lease real property.
*They regularly maintain a stock of tangible personal property in the ordinary course of business.
 

Who is exempt:

People or companies doing business in unincorporated Cook County will NOT be required to purchase
a general business license if:
* You're already required to obtain a County business license in order to comply with any other County ordinance or regulation.
*You're exempt under the terms of any Federal or State law or County ordinance.
 

 

Some users may experience difficulty registering using the online system. If you are unable to complete the application for any reason, please contact our office from Monday through Friday, 8.30AM till 4.30PM at 312-603-6695 to arrange for a registration by phone or in person.

 

First Time Applicants

Please click on the link below if you:

  • have not registered with Cook County and are doing business in Unincorporated Cook County
  • are a business that is exempt from the General Business License ordinance and need to obtain a Certificate of Exemption

First Time Applicants

Returning Applicants

Please click on the link below if you:

  • already have registered with Cook County and need to apply for a General Business License
  • already have applied for a General Business License and need to review the status of your application, reprint your application or change your contact information

Returning Applicants

  

Ordinance

Cook County Ordinance regarding General Business Licenses (PDF)

 

Supporting Information

Guide to General Business Licenses (PDF)

Three Steps to Obtain a General Business License (PDF)

General Business License - Online System Application User Guide (PDF)

General Business License - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

 

Revenue, Department of
Agency Contact Information Portlet  
Contact Information
Contact Information

Bureau Name:

Finance, Bureau of

Main Office:

118 N. Clark Street Room 1160
Chicago, Illinois 60602

Telephone: (312) 603-6870

Director:
 Zahra Ali, Director

Hours: M-F: 8:30AM-4.30PM;
Sat-Sun: Closed

URL:
http://cookcountyil.gov/
Revenue