Peddler licenses may be issued for street peddling (selling merchandise or whole fruits/ vegetables from a wagon, vehicle, or cart that continually moves from place to place) or for street performing (performing such as acting, singing, or playing an instrument).

Related Licenses 

A Mobile Merchant license is required to sell general merchandise from a mobile vehicle that parks to make sales and allows customers inside the vehicle.

A food license is required for the mobile sale of food.

A Limited Business License is required for the sale of general merchandise from a brick-and-mortar location.

A Secondhand Dealer License is required for the sale of certain secondhand merchandise.

Sale of merchandise that is specifically regulated such as tobacco, fuel, or liquor requires a specialized license, and may only be sold from a brick-and-mortar location.

Application Requirements 

• A separate license is required for each individual that is peddling or street performing.
• Street peddlers selling merchandise must be at least 16 years of age, and street performers must be at least 18 years of age.
• All street peddlers must obtain an Illinois Department of Revenue Account ID. Register at www.tax.illinois.gov.

REquired Documents

Government issued photo identification. Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.

Licensing Process 

• Submit initial business information in person
• Complete and submit a full license application. Current government-issued photo identification and a current residential address will be required. All street peddlers must obtain an Illinois Department of Revenue Account ID. Register at www.tax.illinois.gov.
• Make payment for the license
• Peddlers must come in person to City Hall to receive their peddler photo ID card

Cost 

$100 license fee

$50 license fee for seniors 65+, veterans of the armed forces of the United States whose discharge from military or naval service was other than dishonorable, or a person with a physical or mental disability as certified by a medical doctor.

Apply

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

Operating Requirements 

• Certain areas of the city are designated “No Peddling Zones” in which street peddlers are not permitted to conduct business. These districts are listed in Municipal Code of Chicago Section 4-244-140, and a list is kept in the office of the City Clerk.
• Performances may take place on city sidewalks, parkways, playgrounds or other public ways, but not on transit platforms or stations operated by the CTA or Metra. Additional prohibited areas, and performance rules may be found in Municipal Code of Chicago Chapter 4-244. Performances may take place between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Renewal Requirements 

Peddler licenses are 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

Street Peddlers and Performers Flier