Business License Renewal
Chicago Business Direct
Chicago Business Direct is our new platform where you can renew your City of Chicago Business Licenses and your Weighing and Measuring Device certifications.
Please click on the "Get Started Online" button at the bottom of the page to begin the renewal process.
We are confident that you will find the new online renewal process to be fast,easy and secure!
In order to use Chicago Business Direct, you must create a User Profile.
As a business owner or officer, your User Profile will automatically be linked to all of your business accounts. (If you already have a User Profile that was created within the Chicago Business License Application System, you should continue to use it in Chicago Business Direct. You do not need to create a new user profile. The systems were merged together.)
Please note that account numbers and PINs will no longer be needed and may not be used to log into Chicago Business Direct.
As a business owner or officer,you may grant access to your business account to other individuals. They will need to create their own user profile. Once they have done so, you will be able to grant access yourself or via a written authorization. You may email your authorization letter to: chicagobusinessdirect@cityofchicago.org.
Things to keep in mind before you renew:
- Outstanding Debt
If you owe the City money, you may still renew your business license online, however the license certificate will not be mailed to you until all debt holds are resolved. License fees not paid on time will incur late fees, and may be subject to interest charges.
- Changes to the Licensing Account
If you have changed your business legal entity or officers/owners, you are required to report the changes to us within 60 days. These changes should be filed before you renew your license(s).
If you have changed your business location, do NOT renew your current license. Licenses are specific to a location and are not transferable. You will need to apply for a new a business license at your new address.
Please make an appointment with one of our business consultants online, or by calling 312.74.GOBIZ, in order to process your change request(s).
Assistance for Spanish-speaking business owners
For Spanish-speaking business owners, the Little Village Chamber of Commerce (LVCC) is providing their State Farm Computer Lab to assist in facilitating the business renewal process in Spanish.
The LVCC staff will walk business owners through the City of Chicago's business license renewal process by conducting tutorials for walk-ins and/or appointments. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Same day appointments are available.
Please contact Marisa Alcantar for your appointment at 773.521.5387, or via e-mail at Marisa@LittleVillageChamber.org. The LVCC office is located at 3610 W. 26th Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60623.