License Overview 

A City of Chicago Booting license is required for any private business that places a boot or other mechanical device on a vehicle that is designed to prevent the vehicle from moving.

Related Licenses  

• Operating a tow truck requires a tow truck license.
• A Commercial Garage license is required for any building or location where four or more vehicles are parked for a fee.
  
  

Application Requirements 

• A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• A fingerprint-based background check will be conducted for all controlling persons as part of the application process.

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
• Individual History Form for all controlling persons required to be fingerprinted

License Application Steps 

• Submit initial business information in person or online
• Receive zoning approval from the City
• Complete and submit a full license application including a list of all locations where you will conduct booting operations.
• Get fingerprinted for a fingerprint-based background check. Every owner, corporate officer, or any person who has a 25% or more interest in the business will be prompted to get fingerprinted.
• Make payment for the license and pay the one-time registration fee each location where you will conduct booting operations.
• Undergo a City debt check. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• Receive license once all requirements are met

For more information on license application steps, see the Business License Application Steps webpage.

Cost 

$1,000 license fee per private booting company

$100 one-time registration fee for each location where licensee conducts booting

$40 processing fee per controlling person required to be fingerprinted

How to Apply 

In person: Visit the Small Business Center Visit Us webpage for wait times, location, and hours of operation.

Online: Visit the online business license application system.

Operating Requirements 

• Conduct booting operations exclusively on private property pursuant to a written agreement with the property owner or manager.
• Maintain a toll-free 24-hour hotline for receiving and responding to complaints
• Post signs at least 14 days prior to beginning booting operations with the lot terms of use.
• Station at every location at least one employee to place and remove boots and process fee payment. Each employee must wear a uniform including the company’s name, and a placard with the employee’s name and contact information for the booting company, among other requirements.
• Place on the windshield of every vehicle that is booted the “Consumer Bill of Rights”.
• Immediately remove a boot from a vehicle at no charge if the owner of the vehicle returns before the boot is completely attached.
• Notify the Chicago Police Department of any booted vehicle that remains for over 24 hours.
• Provide the owner of a booted vehicle with a receipt, and charge no more than $170 for removing a boot.
• Notify BACP immediately if you plan to conduct booting operations at any new location. The $100 one-time registration fee must be paid prior to the commencement of booting operations at a new location.
• For a full list of Code requirements, see Municipal Code of Chicago Section 4-6-230.

Renewal Requirements 

A private booting license is issued for a period of two years and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.

Resources 

For questions, call 312-74-GOBIZ (744-6249) or 312.744.1944, or email businesslicense@cityofchicago.org