Changes to Your Business License

As a licensed business in the City of Chicago you must report any changes in ownership/officers, business location or business name to the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Change of Business Location

Licenses are issued to a specific business at a specific location. Licenses cannot be moved from one location to another. If you move your business, you must file an application and obtain a new license at your new business location before you can legally operate at your new location.

You may apply for a business license for your new business location, at the City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Our licensing staff is located at 121 N. LaSalle, Room 800. We are open from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249). If you are a current license holder, the license fee for your new business location is prorated.

Change of Ownership/Officers

If there is a change in the ownership or the officers of your business, you must notify the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection by filing the appropriate application.

Liquor License Holders - must file a change of officer/ownership application within 30 days of the change in ownership. Any change in ownership of anyone owning more than a 5% interest in the business and any change in corporate officers must be reported through a change of ownership/officer application.
Application fee: $250.00

To schedule an appointment to begin the change of ownership/officer application process, please call 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249) or visit the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Business Assistance Center in City Hall Room 800.

Board-up Company License Holders - must file a change of officer/ownership application within 60 days of the change in ownership/officers. Any change in ownership of anyone owning more than a 10% interest in the business and any change in corporate officers must be reported through a change of ownership/officer application.
Application fee: $20.00

All Other License Holders - must file a change of ownership/officer application within 60 days of the change in ownership/officers. Any change in ownership of anyone owning more than a 25% interest in the business and any change in corporate officers must be reported through a change of ownership/officer application.
Application fee: $20.00/$40.00

Change in Business Name

If you change the legal name or the "doing business as" name of your business, you must file an application to change the name with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection within 60 days of the change.
Application fee: $40.00

For more information please review Chapter 4 of the Chicago Municipal Code or contact the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection at 312.74.GOBIZ (744.6249).

You may complete an application for any of these changes at the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection at 121 N. LaSalle, Room 800. Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m