The City of Joliet licenses and regulates certain businesses that operate within the corporate limits under the regulations found in the City Code of Ordinances. Business Services is responsible for receiving, processing, and issuing applications licenses, and license renewals.

• Applications for licenses are reviewed by various city departments prior to issuance.
• All license fees are intended to cover the administrative costs associated with processing the application, and are non-refundable.
• In some cases a business may be required to have several licenses.
• Licenses are not transferable and are required for each location.
• New businesses are required to obtain a license prior to opening anytime during the calendar year.
• Licenses must be approved prior to opening for business.
• The valid license must be visibly displayed at the location.
• All Licenses are valid for one calendar year beginning January 1st of each year until December 31st.

Prior to signing any lease it is strongly suggested that you contact the Community Development Department – Planning Division at 815-724-4050 to determine if proper zoning exists on the site.

If you are unsure if your business requires a Business License please contact Business Services at 815-724-3905.

If you are an alarm contractor, please contact the Joliet Police Department – Communications Center at 815-724-3305 for information.

If you are seeking a liquor or tobacco license please contact the Liquor Commissioners Office.

If you are a trade’s contractor please contact the Community Development Department – Inspection Division for information. They license the following: heating and cooling & electrical contractors.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer