Business Licenses

NOTE: Any business that includes food sales, service or storage requires a food-related license. This license takes the place of the general business license described on this page.

Business License Application Process

Read the Business License FAQ
License applications can be obtained from the City Collectors Office or you can download them:
License Application (pdf)
License Application (word)
Return the completed application in person to the City Collector's Office or fax to 847.448.8122. Your application will be routed to the Departments reviewing your application.
Contact the Building Division at 847.448.8011 and the Fire Department to schedule inspections. The Building Division, Fire Department and Zoning Division must approve an application before a license will be issued.

To receive Building approval, the applicant must contact the Building Division at 847.448.8011, to schedule and complete Structural, Electrical and Mechanical/Plumbing inspections.

To receive Fire approval, the applicant must contact the Fire Department at 847.866.5935, to schedule and complete a Fire inspection.

Zoning will conduct a review of the application to ensure proper zone-use and does not need to be contacted by the applicant. If the applicant has any zone-use questions, the Zoning Division may be reached at 847.448.8155 or 847.448.8153.

A BUSINESS CANNOT OPEN UNTIL IT HAS ACQUIRED THE PROPER LICENSING

Questions about and arrangements for the individual inspections can be directed to the appropriate departments at the phone numbers listed above.

Business License FAQ's

Why do we have a business license?

The Evanston Business licenses serve many purposes, including:

Providing valuable economic data about the City, which is used to foster the continued success and growth of Evanston businesses.

Allows the City to identify types of businesses that are needed and would be successful in Evanston.

Enables the City to ensure a safe working and shopping environment for employees and patrons alike through tracking of businesses and periodic Fire, Mechanical, Structural, Electrical and Plumbing inspections.

Funds collected help to defray the cost of economic development programs such as parking structures and ensuring the roads are in good condition so that businesses are easily accessible.

Which businesses are licensed?

All businesses that are not currently licensed under a State of Federal Law, are not home-based, and are operating for-profit within the City limits must have a license.

Each place of business must have its own license. The following business types must have a license to do business within the City regardless of where the physical headquarters of the business is located: Landscaping, pesticide and/or weed spraying, lawn fertilizing, pickup and delivery of laundry or dry cleaning at dwelling units, garbage or refuse pickup.

What are the regulations?

Liquor, cigarette and tobacco and alarm licenses do not constitute business licenses.

Licenses may be revoked for failure to comply with any City Ordinances, Federal or State Laws and failure to allow a required inspection.

A business operating without a license is subject to a $500 fine for each day the business operates without a license.

An Evanston Business License permits an individual or entity to engage in business activities for a profit within the City of Evanston, and is required to conduct such a business within city limits. The license must be renewed annually based on calendar year and must be displayed at the place of business. A "business" is defined under ordinance 135-O-99 as "Any individual or entity 'doing,' 'conducting,' 'engaging in,' 'maintaining,' 'operating,' 'carrying on' or 'managing' a business, occupation or activity.

Where do I file for an assumed name (DBA)?

The Cook County Clerks Office accepts applications and issues DBA certificates. For more information contact: Assumed Business Names Unit at 312-603-5652

Where do I apply for a Sales Tax Identification Number?

The Illinois Department of Revenue accepts applications for tax ID numbers.

Where can I register my business as a corporation?

The Illinois Secretary of State processes applications for corporations and partnerships.