License Overview 

A City of Chicago valet operator license is required for anyone who provides valet parking service to any business establishment.

Related Licenses 

A commercial garage license is required for any building or location where four or more vehicles are parked for a fee.

Application Requiremtnes 

• A debt check will be conducted as part of the application process. All City debt must be resolved for the license to be issued.
• Proof of a loading zone is required to obtain a valet operator license, which may be: 1) a current loading zone installed at the place of business or 2) a letter of support from the local Alderperson for the installation of a loading zone.
• A valid lease or proof of ownership for required off-street parking is required (in a parking lot or garage) that equals at least 15% of the occupancy of the business.

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
• Certificate of insurance (limits not less than $1,000,000)
• Proof of a loading zone is required to obtain a valet operator license, which may be: 1) a current loading zone installed at the place of business or 2) a letter of support from the local Alderperson for the installation of a loading zone.
• A valid lease or proof of ownership for required off-street parking is required (in a parking lot or garage) that equals at least 15% of the occupancy of the business.

License Application Steps 

• Submit initial business information in person
• Complete and submit a full license application, including proof of the required loading zone, and proof of ownership or lease of required off-street parking.
• Make payment for the license
• 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 

$600 License Fee per location

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.

How to Apply Operating Requirements

• Maintain commercial general liability insurance covering all locations with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage; and commercial automobile liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage; and insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for garage keepers’ legal liability.
• Place a placard on the dashboard of valeted vehicles stating “This Vehicle Parked By (valet parking operator name) For Customer Of (business name)”
• Issue a numbered receipt to each patron with the valet operator’s name, address, phone, valet charge, time and date, vehicle license plate, and a statement that the valet operator holds required insurance.
• Park cars only at legal parking sites specified in the valet operator license application.
• Ensure that all valet parking attendants have the insignia of the valet operator clearly visible on their clothing.
• Do no leave keys in cars; advise clients not to leave wallets, cash or other valuables in their cars; always lock the valet key box; and call 911 in case of emergency.

Renewal Requirements 

Valet operator licenses are issued for a period of one year, with a license term of July 1 – June 30, and must be renewed prior to expiration. For renewal information, see the Renewal page.

Resources 

Valet Operator License Flyer

Watch the Valet Operator Licensing and Best Practices Webinar

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