Chicago Business Direct is our new platform where you can renew your City of Chicago Business Licenses and your Weighing and Measuring Device certifications. Please click on the "Get Started Online" button at the bottom of the page to begin the renewal process. We are confident that you will find the new online renewal process to be fast,easy and secure! In order to use Chicago Business Direct, you must create a User Profile. As a business owner or officer, your User Profile will automatically be linked to all of your business accounts. (If you already have a User Profile that was created within the Chicago Business License Application System, you should continue to use it in Chicago Business Direct. You do not need to create a new user profile. The systems were merged together.) Please note that account numbers and PINs will no longer be needed and may not be used to log into Chicago Business Direct. As a business owner or officer,you may grant access to your business account to other individuals. They will need to create their own user profile. Once they have done so, you will be able to grant access yourself or via a written authorization. You may email your authorization letter to: chicagobusinessdirect@cityofchicago.org.
If you owe the City money, you may still renew your business license online, however the license certificate will not be mailed to you until all debt holds are resolved. License fees not paid on time will incur late fees, and may be subject to interest charges.
If you have changed your business legal entity or officers/owners, you are required to report the changes to us within 60 days. These changes should be filed before you renew your license(s).
If you have changed your business location, do NOT renew your current license. Licenses are specific to a location and are not transferable. You will need to apply for a new a business license at your new address.
Please make an appointment with one of our business consultants online, or by calling 312.74.GOBIZ, in order to process your change request(s).