Valet Parking Operator License

Picture of Valet Parking Operators

A Valet Parking Operator license is required for any “valet parking service”.

“Valet parking operator” means a person who employs one or more attendants for the purpose of providing a valet parking service or who contracts his own services, but not in the capacity of employee, to any business establishment, for the purpose of providing a valet parking service to such establishment.

“Valet parking service” means a parking service provided to accommodate patrons of any business establishment, which service is incidental to the business of the establishment and by which an attendant on behalf of the establishment takes temporary custody of the patrons’ motor vehicle and moves, parks, stores or retrieves the vehicle for the patrons’ convenience.

A separate Valet Parking Operator license is required for every location.

When is a Valet Parking Operator License NOT required?

A license is NOT required for any business establishment that provides patron parking entirely and solely on its premises or to any hotel that provides parking entirely on its premises for guests or for patrons of business establishments located on the hotel’s premises.

However, a valet parking operator license shall be required when the vehicle or the keys to the vehicle are given to the valet parking attendant on any part of the public way, even if the actual parking of the vehicle is done entirely and solely on the establishment’s premises.

License Requirements:

Certificate of Insurance for the location being served. The required minimum insurance coverage amounts are $100,000,000 per occurrence for public liability, $100,000,000 per occurrence for property damage, and $100,000,000 per occurrence for garage keeper’s legal liability.

Proof of Loading Zone: Applicants should either have (1) a current loading zone installed in the place of business or (2) a letter from the Alderman approving the location to have a loading zone sign installed, indicating what date the loading zone sign will be introduced as an ordinance to the Chicago City Council for approval.
Corporate Articles and minutes
Illinois Secretary of State Certificate of Good Standing
A valid lease or proof of ownership for the 15% of off street parking in a lot or garage. Valet parking operators are required to provide off street parking for 15% of the occupancy of the business.
Application form: Valet Parking Operator License Application

Read the Valet Parking Ordinance:

Chicago businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of Chicago including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are accessible to the public using the following link: Municipal Code of Chicago, Illinois.

For convenience, relevant sections of the City of Chicago Licensing Laws are available for download: Valet Parking Operator Ordinance.

Please note that businesses are responsible for knowing and complying with the most current laws, including any City Council amendments. The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) is not responsible for errors or omissions in the handout.

Fee:

$600 per location

License Terms:

July 1- June 30

How to Apply:

Bring required documents and a completed license application form, in person, to Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

Public Vehicle Operations Facility

2350 W. Ogden Ave

Chicago, IL 60608

Phone: 312-746-4200

Hours: Mon-Fri

8:30am-4:30pm

We recommend customers arrive before 11am. In the afternoon, customers must sign in at reception desk by 3pm for service that same day.