Obtaining Necessary Professional and Business Licenses in Illinois

Experienced Business Law Attorneys in Barrington, Palatine, Cary, and Throughout the Area

Certain professions require that individuals acquire and maintain specific licenses. In addition, business entities operating in Illinois including retailers, service organizations, salons, lenders, and dozens more have licensing obligations. The team of established business attorneys with Lucas Law can successfully assist business clients from our office in Barrington.

Recent Professional Licensing Delays in Illinois

There has been an evolving concern regarding the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which has subjected many in the Land of Lincoln to lengthy delays in processing professional licenses. Franchisees in nearly 40 Massage Envy locations in greater Chicago say licensing delays for workers of up to six months are hindering their ability to hire much needed additional staff. The state's administrators are challenged to devise measures of increasing operational efficiency.

The IDFPR Background and Purpose

The agency mission is to use receptive, transparent and effective authority to foster the economy and enhance choices for consumers. The organization describes their vision as furthering excellence and governmental accountability through uniform regulatory policies and extraordinary delivery of service. The organizational structure has four divisions: banking, financial institutions, professional regulation, and real estate.

IDFPR Documentation & Requirements

Specific requirements may vary for professional licenses; however, applications include much of the following:

• Educational information with seal or stamp (if applicable)
• Any applicable records involving licensure
• Examination records
• Child support or student loan history
• Application fees
• Employment verification
• Receipt for electronic fingerprinting
• Proof of insurance
• Criminal background information
• Any inhibiting conditions or diseases
• Evidence of military discharge (if applicable)

IDFPR Actions of Enforcement

The organization has a variety of enforcement and penalty actions at their disposal for violators. For example, parties found to be operating without a license may be ordered to "cease and desist" their operations. Further, they are able to levy fines and implement probationary periods. Existing licensees may be subject to refusals to renew, suspensions, and relinquishments. Enforcement actions may be instigated by criminal violations, failure to pay child support or income taxes, and failure to complete continuing

Those with Past Background Misconduct

Illinois Policy, an autonomous institute for public advocacy, outlined a new Illinois state law that took effect in January 2017. The legislation prohibits the IDFPR from refusing licensure to individuals with a past criminal offense unless the offense was related to their specific occupation. Those who this law applies to include barbers, cosmetology workers, estheticians, finger nail techs, funeral directors, hair braiders, and roofing contractors. The bill was designed to improve ex-offender opportunities for employment, and maintain a commitment to encouraging rehabilitation. Some remedies for these individuals are Certificates of Good Conduct or Certificates of Relief from Disability documents.

Possible Reasons to Contact an Attorney

Those who may be facing penalties associated with their professional or business licenses may seek legal representation. A lawyer could be quite helpful in defending against sanctions, and providing representation in administrative hearings. For example, an attorney is suggested in actions of appeal for those indicted for professional misconduct.

Professional licensing requirements in Illinois can often be complex. At Lucas Law based in Barrington, our clients benefit from support in determining what (if any) licenses are required for the type(s) of business they conduct. We encourage you to contact our office at 847-381-8700 today.