Illinois Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

🟡 ALARM CONTRACTOR + LOCAL: Illinois requires alarm contractor license plus local jurisdiction compliance.

Current Requirements (2024-2025)

Illinois operates a dual licensing system for low voltage work. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) licenses alarm contractors statewide under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004, while electrical work including low voltage systems is regulated by individual municipalities.

State-Level Alarm Contractor License

Private Alarm Contractor License (IDFPR)

Required for installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair of security alarm systems, fire alarm systems, access control systems, video surveillance systems, and structured cabling. Regulated by IDFPR under Title 68, Chapter 3, Section 1130.

Key Requirements:

Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
Experience: 3 years (4,500 hours minimum) of qualifying experience within the last 5 years
Pre-licensing Course: Required before examination
Examination: Covers NEC, Illinois regulations, and Administrative Code
Insurance: General liability insurance required
CORE System: All applications processed through IDFPR's new online CORE system (launched October 2024)

Systems and Work Covered

The Private Alarm Contractor license authorizes installation and service of:

Authorized Systems:

Security Systems: Burglar alarms, intrusion detection
Fire Alarms: Detection and notification systems
Access Control: Card readers, electronic locks, door controls
Video Surveillance: CCTV systems and monitoring equipment
Structured Cabling: Low voltage communication wiring
Integrated Systems: Combined security and building automation

Important Note:

Private alarm contractors may perform electrical aspects of alarm work without additional electrical contractor licensing. However, other low voltage electrical work may require municipal electrical licensing depending on local jurisdiction requirements.

Municipal/Local Requirements

Chicago Requirements

Low Voltage Electrical Contractor License: Required for low voltage and communication wiring
Building Permits: Required for electrical work including low voltage installations
Exemption: Licensed private alarm contractors exempt when working within scope of state license
Supervising Electrician: May be required depending on work scope

Other Illinois Municipalities

Local Variation: Each city and county sets own electrical licensing requirements
Registration Required: Most require contractor registration in each jurisdiction
Experience Requirements: Typically 4 years or 8,000 hours of electrical trade experience
Annual Renewal: Most municipalities require yearly license renewal
NEC Compliance: Most jurisdictions base requirements on National Electrical Code

2025 Updates and Changes

Recent IDFPR Updates:

CORE System Launch: New online licensing system launched October 30, 2024
Online Applications: All new Private Alarm Contractor applications through CORE
Exam Schedule: Biannual exams in March and September (next: September 3, 2025)
Application Deadline: August 6, 2025 for September 2025 exam
Continuing Education: Required to maintain license and stay current with NEC

Financial Requirements

State Licensing Fees:

Application Fee: Varies by license type and jurisdiction
Examination Fee: Required for initial licensing
License Renewal: Annual or biennial depending on jurisdiction
General Liability Insurance: Required for alarm contractor license
Bond Requirements: May be required by specific municipalities

Experience and Education

Private Alarm Contractor Experience

Minimum Experience: 3 years within the last 5 years
Hour Calculation: 1,500 hours = 1 year (minimum 4,500 hours total)
Qualifying Work: Installation, service, and repair of alarm systems
Documentation: Detailed employment verification required

Municipal Electrical Experience

Standard Requirement: 4 years or 8,000 hours of electrical trade work
Apprenticeship Programs: Available through various trade organizations
Continuing Education: Often required for license maintenance
Exam Preparation: Trade-specific and business management components

Business Structure Options

Licenses may be issued to:

Individual contractors (sole proprietorship)
Partnerships
Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
Corporations

Note: Each business entity must register separately in each municipality where they plan to work. Agency licenses may be required for businesses with multiple alarm contractors.

Legal Authority

Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004 - State alarm licensing
Illinois Administrative Code Title 68, Chapter 3, Section 1130 - Alarm contractor regulations
Municipal Electrical Codes - Local electrical licensing authority
National Electrical Code (NEC) - Technical standards adopted by most jurisdictions

Major Cities and Counties

Chicago: Comprehensive electrical contractor licensing system
Cook County: County-specific electrical licensing requirements
Rockford: Municipal electrical contractor registration
Peoria: Local electrical licensing and permits
Springfield: State capital with specific municipal requirements

Contact Information

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
100 West Randolph Street, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 814-4500
Website: idfpr.illinois.gov
CORE Licensing System: Available through IDFPR website

City of Chicago Department of Buildings
121 N LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 744-3300
Website: chicago.gov/depts/bldgs

Renewal and Continuing Education

State License: Varies by license type and classification
Municipal Licenses: Typically annual renewal required
Continuing Education: Required to maintain current knowledge of NEC and regulations
Registration Updates: Must maintain current registration in each working jurisdiction

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Illinois low voltage licensing involves both state and local requirements that vary significantly by jurisdiction. Requirements may change, and specific situations may require additional licensing. Always consult with IDFPR and local building departments for current requirements and compliance guidance. Last updated: January 2025.

Last updated: January 2025

Low Voltage License Illinois