License Overview 

A City of Chicago Motor Vehicle Repair license is required for any location that repairs vehicles, 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.

Related Licenses 

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

Application Requirements 

• A diagram of the motor vehicle repair facility including the dimensions of the building, the driveway and curb cut-out locations, the location of bordering streets and alleys, the location and dimensions of working stalls, and the location and dimensions of off-street parking spaces.
• A copy of a tire disposal contract, if tires are stored, altered, disposed of or replaced

Required Documents 

• Documents required to identify the business depend on the business legal entity type. For more information, see the Required Documents page.
• Building layout/ floor plan and survey/ site plan (must include full dimensions)
• Driveway Release Letter from CDOT for any driveways leading from the public way to the premises.
• Environment Permit from Chicago Department of Public Health for any spray booths (for auto-body work)

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
• If more than 100 tires are stored, altered, disposed or replaced at any one time, undergo inspections from the Fire Department.
• Receive license once all requirements are met

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

Cost 

$250 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 

• Any licensee that stores, alters, disposes of or replaces tires must maintain a tire disposal contract.
• No vehicle or materials associated with the vehicle repair shop may be placed on the sidewalk, in a driveway, or on the street.
• Provide two off-street parking spaces for each repair bay or 300 square feet of vehicle service area, whichever is greater.

Renewal Requirements 

A vehicle repair 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