Related Licenses 

• A valet license is required to offer valet parking service to patrons of a business.
• A motor vehicle repair license is required for any location that repairs vehicles, conducts auto-body work, replaces parts, or diagnoses malfunctions. A motor vehicle repair license is also required for any place where tires are stored, altered, disposed of, replaced or repaired.
• A Tow Storage Lot license is required to store towed vehicles.

Application Requirement 

• A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• If the garage is within a building, the applicant must specify the number of stories of the building and the square footage of the garage on each floor.
• An inspection of the premises will be conducted by the Chicago Fire Department

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
• Site plan indicating the number of parking spaces
• Floor numbers occupied (for parking garages within buildings)
• Driveway Release Letter from CDOT for any driveways leading from the public way to the premises

License Application Steps 

• Submit initial business information in person or online
• Receive zoning approval from the City
• Complete and submit a full license application
• Make payment for the license
• Undergo a City debt check. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• Undergo inspections from the Chicago Fire Department (for garages open to the general public)
• Receive license once all requirements are met

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

Cost 

$19.80 per 300 square feet license fee

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 

• Smoking is prohibited in any public garage
• Parking spaces must be striped and handicapped spaces must be indicated

Renewal Requirements 

A commercial garage 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