Business Licenses

The City of Rockford does not require every business to have a general business license, however, there are specific businesses that do require a license. Please view the Licenses and Fees Page for a list of businesses that the City licenses.

Door-to-door sales require a solicitors license and should be advised that they cannot go to places that have No Soliciting posted, and must solicit between the hours of 9 am and 8 pm. Soliciting businesses in public ways are not permitted.

A list of revoked solicitor's licenses can be found at the bottom of this page.

Liquor licenses and special events are handled through the Legal Department.

Other aspects of new businesses are handled by governmental agencies outside of the City. To register a business name, contact the Winnebago County Clerk's office. Tax identification numbers are issued by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Fee Schedule

A comprehensive fee schedule is approved by City Council annually as part of the budget process. Fees are adjusted annually as needed.

Transfer of License/Location

General business licenses are not transferable. If the location, or owner changes, a new application must be completed and fees must be paid.

General Business License Information

Fees are payable upon application. Delinquent renewals are subject to a 20% penalty after 30 days and 50% after 60 days in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Code.

There will not be any refunds for applications not approved.

License fees are not pro-rated and will expire on January 31 unless otherwise noted. Renewal notices are sent the first week of the month of expiration.

Certificate of Insurance

The City of Rockford must be the certificate holder on certificates of insurance. An original certificate (or fax thereof) needs to be on file in our office. Amounts should be checked against ordinance requirements.

Application Forms/Ordinances

An application form can be obtained online by clicking on the appropriate links under each license type or in person at City Hall, 425 E State Street Completed applications can be emailed to Customer Service. The applicable ordinances can be found in the City's Code of Ordinances.

Revoked Solicitor's Licenses

There aren't any solicitor's licenses revoked at this time.