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Peddlers

City of Chicago Peddlers License

A peddler is a person who moves from place to place selling goods, merchandise, fruits or vegetables that are whole and uncut. A peddler may sell from a wagon, pushcart, handcart, pack or basket.

There are two types of Peddlers:

Food-Peddler: Food Peddlers are permitted to sell whole, uncut fruits and vegetables and no other food items. Peddlers are not allowed to handle or prepare food. Food peddlers may also sell non-food items as long as they are less than 15% of gross sales.

Non-Food Peddler: A Non-Food Peddler is permitted to sell non-food commodities.

Note: This description is a general explanation of the license. The full description can be found in Chapter (4-244) of the Chicago Municipal Code. Chicago businesses are required to comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules, including consumer protection laws.

Peddling Rules:

Fruits and vegetables are not to be cut or prepared in any way, and may only be sold in their original forms. The handling or preparation of food is prohibited.Peddler ID card must be worn at all times while peddling.Carts or wagons used in peddling require a decal issued by the City Clerk.Carts or wagons should be clearly labeled with letters at least 2 inches high.Peddling is prohibited in alleys between 5pm-7am.The peddling of flowers, growing plants or floral bouquets is not allowed.One helper or assistant is allowed per cart, wagon or other vehicle.

No Peddling Zones:

Certain areas of the City have been designated by the City Council as “No Peddling Zones.”  For example, there are specific location restrictions for the United Center, Wrigley Field, U.S Cellular Field, Millennium Park and City sponsored special events.  There are several other areas throughout the city that do not allow peddling. For a complete list check the Chicago Municipal Code Chapter  4-244-140 - Prohibited districts.

Step 1: Before filing a license application with BACP, determine how the business will be structured.        

Note: BACP does not require submission of these documents in order to process your Peddlers License application, however your legal entity must be in good standing and will be verified by BACP. BACP reserves the right to request and examine documents.

Determine Your Legal Entity and Register:

One size does not fit all, so choose the business structure that best suits your needs.  You may operate as a sole proprietor, partnership or form a legal entity. If you plan to form a legal entity you may create a Corporation, Limited Liability Corporation or Limited Partnership, you will need to register with the Illinois Secretary of State. Your legal entity must be in good standing with the Secretary of State.

Obtain an Illinois Business Tax Number:

If you plan to buy or sell products, wholesale or retail, or manufacture goods, you will need an Illinois Business Tax (IBT) number. You may apply with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number:

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. If you operate your business as a “C” corporation or an LLC, you are required to obtain an EIN to file and pay any federal tax obligation. You may register for an EIN with the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Obtain an Assumed Name Certificate:

Sole proprietors or partnerships conducting business in Illinois under an assumed name (a name other than your own) are required to file an Assumed Name Certificate with Cook County Clerk.

Step 2: File the application in person.  Be prepared to provide the following license requirements.

  • Business Information Sheet (BIS) Form You must apply for the license in person, you can download and compete this form and bring it with you to BACP when you apply for your license.
  •  License Fee - $165.00 license fee-renewable every two years. License fees can be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover).
  • Identification - Drivers License, State ID, voters registration card or another official photo ID.
  • Business Description- Identify the type of items you plan to sell.
  • Age Requirement – Peddlers must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Outstanding Debt - Any outstanding debts to the City owed by the business owner or an officer of the business must be paid before a license can be issued. These debts include outstanding past due parking tickets, water bills, child support payments, or any other type of administrative hearing fines imposed by the City. This also includes Illinois Sales Tax owed.  If you have debt, you may apply for a license; however a license will not be issued until all debt has been paid. To find out if you have any debt visit the Chicago Department of Revenue.
  • When you apply for your business license, online or in person, you will automatically be registered for any applicable business taxes based on your business activity. You can view all of the Chicago Business Taxes at the Chicago Department of Revenue.

Download the Peddler Fact Sheet

Step 3: Application Process

In Person Application

You can apply in person at the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, 121 N. LaSalle St. City Hall, Room 800. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

An appointment is not required, but recommended and can made online or by calling 312.74.GOBIZ / 744.6249.