Choose a state

Construction Work Regulated?

Who Regulates Construction?

Requirements?

National Exams

Construction Work Regulated?

Construction Regulation: With the exception of public works contracting and roofing, construction activities are not regulated at the state level.

Contractors seeking to bid on public works projects must first obtain the required prequalification. In addition, individuals and businesses performing roofing work must obtain state certification before engaging in roofing-related activities.

Who Regulates Construction?

Highway prequalification forms and information may be obtained from:

Illinois Department of Transportation/Engineer of Construction
2300 South Dirksen Parkway, Room 322
Springfield, IL 62764
(217) 782-3413 Fax (217) 524-4922
https://www.idot.illinois.gov

State funded building construction prequalification information may be obtained from:

Illinois Capital Development Board
Attn: Contractor Prequalification
William G. Stratton Building
401 South Spring Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-2864 Fax (217) 524-0565
https://www.illinois.gov/cdb

Roofing licenses may be obtained from:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
(800)560-6420 Fax (217) 524-0833
https://idfpr.illinois.gov/

Requirements?

Highway Contractor Prequalification: Contractors seeking highway prequalification must submit financial statements as part of the application process. While CPA-audited financial statements are not required, bidding capacity is limited based on the type of financial statement provided. Contractors submitting unaudited, self-prepared financial statements are limited to an annual bidding capacity of $750,000. Contractors submitting accountant-reviewed or accountant-compiled financial statements may qualify for an annual bidding capacity of up to $1,500,000.

Prequalification approvals remain valid for 16 months from the date of the financial statement. There is no fee to apply for prequalification.

Roofing Contractors: Roofing contractors must be licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before performing roofing work. Two license classifications are available: Limited (Residential) and Unlimited (Residential/Commercial).

Applicants must provide:

A $10,000 surety bond for a Limited license or a $25,000 surety bond for an Unlimited license
Proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000 per occurrence for property damage and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or personal injury
Proof of workers' compensation and unemployment insurance coverage when employees are hired

The application fee is $125, and licenses are renewed annually at a fee of $62.50 per year.

Additional Requirements: Nonresident contractors must post a bond with the Department of Employment Security before beginning work on any contract valued at more than $5,000.

Local jurisdictions, including the City of Chicago, may impose additional licensing or registration requirements.

For public works projects, performance, payment, and liability bonds may be required. In municipalities with populations exceeding 500,000, bidders on public works contracts over $10,000 may be required to furnish performance and liability bonds. For public contracts estimated at $25,000 or more, a payment and performance bond equal to the full contract amount is generally required.