Peoria, IL Business License Guide

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The Ultimate Business License Guide for Peoria, Illinois (No Nonsense Edition)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick help (read this first)

At‑a‑glance: Which agency handles what in Peoria

The most important action item: map your tasks to the right agency so you don’t waste time.

Task Who handles it Official link (what you’ll find there)
Form LLC/corporation, annual reports Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Illinois SOS – Business Services (forms, fees, filings)
Register for sales tax, withholding, UI, other state taxes Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) via MyTax Illinois MyTax Illinois (new business registration)
Food permits and inspections Peoria City/County Health Department PCCHD homepage (food safety program, permits)
Zoning, occupancy, building permits City of Peoria – Community Development/Permits City of Peoria (departments, permits, zoning info)
Liquor licenses City of Peoria Liquor Commission + Illinois Liquor Control Commission City of Peoria (local licensing); Illinois Liquor Control Commission (state licensing)
Tobacco licenses City of Peoria (local) + IDOR Tobacco Tax registration (if distributing) City of Peoria; IDOR Tobacco Products
Mobile food trucks City of Peoria (vendor license/permission) + PCCHD City of Peoria; PCCHD
Short‑term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) City of Peoria (local registration, if applicable) City of Peoria
DBA/Assumed name (sole prop/partnership) Peoria County Clerk Peoria County – County Clerk
Professional licensing (state‑regulated trades) IDFPR IDFPR Licensing
Federal Employer ID Number (EIN) IRS IRS – EIN application

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Use the search bars on the linked official sites with your term (example: “home occupation,” “liquor,” “food truck”).
  • If you cannot find a specific City of Peoria page, start from the main site and use the site search: City of Peoria – peoriagov.org.
  • Call a statewide help line: IRS EIN help 800-829-4933; IDOR general help (see IDOR Contact).

Do you actually need a City of Peoria “business license”?

Most important action: identify whether your activity requires local licensing, registration, or only zoning/occupancy approval.

Realities

  • Peoria does not publish a blanket “all businesses must have a city business license” rule. Instead, the city regulates certain business types locally, while many others only need zoning/occupancy approval and state/federal registrations. Always confirm with the city before opening. Source: City of Peoria – main site, Peoria Code of Ordinances.
  • If you rent or buy a storefront/office/warehouse inside city limits, you’ll typically need a Certificate of Occupancy or equivalent approval before opening to the public. This is separate from licenses. Source: City of Peoria.

Common local licenses and permits in Peoria

Local license/permit Who typically needs it Where to start
Liquor license (local) Bars, restaurants, venues selling/serving alcohol City of Peoria (local rules), then ILCC – State license
Tobacco license (local) Retailers selling cigarettes/tobacco City of Peoria (local), IDOR Tobacco (state tax)
Food service/retail food permit Restaurants, caterers, food trucks, grocery PCCHD – Food
Mobile food vendor/peddler/solicitor license Food trucks, door‑to‑door sales City of Peoria
Short‑term rental registration Entire home/room rentals City of Peoria
Amusement devices, adult‑use cannabis, pawnbroker, secondhand, lodging, taxi/limousine, massage establishment Listed, regulated activities City of Peoria

Tip

  • Many categories include background checks, public hearings (for liquor), inspections, and/or insurance. Build extra time into your launch plan.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you can’t find your category, contact the City of Peoria through the main site’s Departments/Contact directory: City of Peoria – peoriagov.org.
  • If your business is home‑based, ask specifically about “home occupation” rules in the zoning code: Peoria Code of Ordinances.

Step 1: Confirm location and jurisdiction

Most important action: make sure you’re actually inside City of Peoria limits; rules differ in nearby places (Peoria Heights, West Peoria, unincorporated Peoria County).

  • Use your address to check jurisdiction. If not sure, call your landlord, title company, or check with the city/county. City limits affect which office you’ll deal with for zoning/occupancy and local licensing. Source: City of Peoria, Peoria County.
  • If you’re outside city limits (unincorporated Peoria County), local rules are different (County zoning, Sheriff’s office permits for some activities, etc.). Source: Peoria County.

What to do if this doesn’t work

Step 2: Choose your legal structure and name (Illinois)

Most important action: decide your legal structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor) and file with the right office.

  • LLC or corporation: file with Illinois Secretary of State. As of the last published fee schedule, Illinois LLC Articles of Organization filing fee is 150∗∗;theannualreportfeeis∗∗150**; the annual report fee is **75. Source: Illinois SOS – LLC (fees page).
  • Corporations also file with SOS; fees vary by type; confirm on the SOS fee schedule. Source: Illinois SOS – Corporations.
  • Sole proprietors/partnerships using a business name (not your personal legal name) file an assumed name (DBA) with the Peoria County Clerk. Fees and publication requirements are set by state law and county; confirm current amounts and steps with the County Clerk. Source: Peoria County – County Clerk.
  • Check name availability before you file. LLC/corp names are checked on the SOS database; assumed names are checked through the County Clerk. Sources: SOS Business Search, Peoria County – County Clerk.

Required documents

  • LLC/corp: Articles (formation), registered agent info, business address, organizers/incorporators details, initial members/directors.
  • DBA: owner ID, proposed name, business address, publication affidavit (if required), county forms.
  • Keep a copy of your filed documents; you’ll need them for tax accounts, banks, and licensing.

Timeline reality check

  • Online SOS filings can be quick (often processed within a few business days), while mail-in paper filings take longer. For current processing times, check the SOS site. Source: Illinois SOS – Business Services.

What to do if this doesn’t work

Step 3: Register for state and federal taxes (don’t skip this)

Most important action: register on MyTax Illinois before you sell or hire.

  • Sales tax (Retailers’ Occupation Tax): Illinois state base rate is 6.25%; local rates vary by address. You must register with IDOR (free) to collect/remit the right rate. Sources: IDOR Sales & Use Taxes, IDOR Tax Rate Finder.
  • Withholding tax and Unemployment Insurance: If you hire employees, register for Illinois withholding and unemployment insurance in MyTax Illinois. Source: MyTax Illinois, IDES Employers.
  • Federal EIN: Free through IRS. Don’t use paid third parties. IRS EIN phone help: 800-829-4933. Source: IRS – Apply for EIN.
  • Certificate of Resale for wholesale purchasing: Use IDOR Form CRT‑61 to document tax‑exempt purchases for resale. Source: IDOR – Sales Tax Forms (includes CRT‑61).

Filing frequency and deadlines

  • IDOR will assign you filing frequency (monthly/quarterly/annual) based on sales volume. Due dates are on your MyTax Illinois account. Source: IDOR – Filing & Payment.
  • Keep calendar reminders; late filings lead to penalties and interest.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Use the MyTax Illinois “Submit a Question” or contact pages for help: IDOR Contact.
  • For sales tax rate confusion at the city/neighborhood level, enter the exact service address in the IDOR Tax Rate Finder.

Step 4: Zoning, occupancy, and home‑based businesses

Most important action: confirm your location is zoned for your use and obtain occupancy approval before opening.

  • Zoning: Verify your business type is allowed at your address. Some uses need a special use permit. Source: City of Peoria, Peoria Code of Ordinances.
  • Building permits: Any build‑out, signage, or changes to electrical/plumbing/HVAC usually requires permits and inspections. Source: City of Peoria – Permits.
  • Certificate of Occupancy (or similar approval): Required when a new business occupies a space. Expect inspections (building, fire, possibly health). Source: City of Peoria.
  • Home occupation: Allowed with limits. Rules address signage, employees, customer traffic, and on‑site sales. Read the zoning code “home occupation” section. Source: Peoria Code of Ordinances.

Common documents you’ll need

  • Floor plan, site plan, lease or deed, contractor info, scope of work, proposed signage, parking details.

Reality check

  • Build‑outs often take longer than expected. Coordinate permits early with your landlord and contractors. Moving forward without permits can cause stop‑work orders and fines.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you’re denied zoning, ask about a special use permit or variance process (public hearings, fees, timeline) via the city planning department: City of Peoria.
  • If your timeline is tight, consider a temporary location or a home‑based model (if allowed) while you complete approvals.

Step 5: Local licenses and registrations (by activity)

Most important action: if your business falls into a regulated category, start that local license early—some require hearings or background checks.

  • Liquor: Local license from City of Peoria first, then state license from ILCC. Be ready for background checks, BASSET training, and public hearing/notification rules. Sources: City of Peoria, Illinois Liquor Control Commission, ILCC – BASSET.
  • Tobacco retail: City license (if applicable) plus IDOR registration if you’re a distributor. Source: City of Peoria, IDOR Tobacco.
  • Food trucks/mobile vendors: City vendor license/permission plus PCCHD mobile food permit and commissary agreement. Sources: City of Peoria, PCCHD.
  • Short‑term rentals: Check city registration, local tax, and zoning/occupancy rules. Source: City of Peoria.
  • Other categories commonly licensed: amusement devices, adult‑use cannabis, pawnbroker/secondhand dealer, lodging, taxi/limousine, massage establishments. Source: Peoria Code of Ordinances.

Application tips

  • Gather documents upfront: floor plan/site plan, lease, insurance COI, training certificates (BASSET/food manager), background check forms, security plan (for liquor/cannabis), responsible party list.
  • Expect processing time. For licenses with hearings (liquor), build in several weeks at least.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Ask the city department to review a draft application and flag issues early: City of Peoria.
  • Consider scaling scope (e.g., beer/wine only instead of full liquor) if timelines are too long.

Step 6: Health permits and inspections (PCCHD)

Most important action: if you handle food or beverages, contact the health department before signing a long-term lease.

  • The Peoria City/County Health Department (PCCHD) permits and inspects restaurants, caterers, groceries, food trucks, temporary events, and some body art/personal services. Source: PCCHD.
  • Most food businesses need at least one certified food protection manager on staff; food handler training is also required. Illinois follows FDA Food Code principles. Sources: IDPH Food Protection, PCCHD.
  • Plan review: New or remodeled food facilities typically require plan review before construction. Source: PCCHD.

What to prepare

  • Menu, equipment list/spec sheets, floor plan with plumbing/electrical, proposed HACCP (if needed), commissary agreement (for mobile units), water/sewer details.
  • Budget time for re‑inspections if needed.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If plan review finds major issues, ask PCCHD for alternatives (equipment substitutions, layout changes) before ordering equipment: PCCHD.
  • If a temporary event is your starting point, consider a temporary food permit while you finish your permanent space.

Step 7: State professional and trade licenses

Most important action: check if your trade is regulated by Illinois before you open.

  • Illinois licenses many occupations: barbers/cosmetologists, appraisers, real estate brokers, architects, engineers, accountants, funeral directors, etc. Source: IDFPR – Professions.
  • License status is public; verify for yourself and any hires. Source: IDFPR – License Lookup.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If your trade isn’t on IDFPR, check other state agencies (e.g., Department of Agriculture for weights & measures or food processing; State Fire Marshal for certain facilities). Illinois agency directory: Illinois.gov – Agencies.

Step 8: Employer steps (payroll, workers’ comp, unemployment)

Most important action: don’t run payroll until you have these in place.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Contact your insurance broker for workers’ comp options; the Assigned Risk Plan may be a last resort.
  • Use IDES employer help and webinars: IDES Employers.

Step 9: Sales tax, local taxes, and special taxes

Most important action: use the IDOR Tax Rate Finder for your exact address (rates vary by location and sometimes by product).

  • State base sales tax: 6.25% statewide (ROT). Source: IDOR Sales & Use Taxes.
  • Local add‑ons: City of Peoria may impose home rule sales tax and other local taxes. To avoid errors, use the IDOR address‑level tool. Source: IDOR Tax Rate Finder.
  • Restaurant/food and beverage taxes, hotel/motel tax, amusement taxes: Localities commonly impose these; confirm with the City of Peoria finance/tax pages. Source: City of Peoria.

Filing and remittance

  • File on schedule via MyTax Illinois. Late payments trigger penalties and interest. Keep a separate tax account to avoid spending collected tax.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If your POS can’t handle complex tax rules, use a POS with Illinois‑specific tax mapping or consult a local CPA.
  • For unusual products (cannabis, alcohol), rely on the specific agency guidance: IDOR Excise Taxes, ILCC.

Practical timelines (what to start first)

Step Typical path Reality/timing
LLC/corp filing File online with SOS Online can be fast; paper takes longer. Check SOS processing.
EIN Apply online at IRS Often same‑day; phone help 800-829-4933 if issues. Source: IRS – EIN.
MyTax Illinois tax accounts Register after EIN or ID Usually immediate registration; some accounts may take review. Source: MyTax Illinois.
Zoning/occupancy City of Peoria permits/inspections Can take days to weeks depending on inspections, plan review. Source: City of Peoria.
Health permits (food) PCCHD plan review + inspections Plan review before build‑out; final inspection before opening. Source: PCCHD.
Liquor Local license + ILCC license Expect hearings/background checks; start early. Sources: City of Peoria, ILCC.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If a step is delayed, fill that time with tasks you control (build SOPs, hire/training, marketing, vendor accounts).
  • Ask the agency if a conditional permit or temporary operating permission exists (e.g., temporary food events) while final approvals are pending.

Real‑world examples (Peoria scenarios)

  • A small coffee shop in the Warehouse District
    • Action items: secure space, zoning confirmation, building and signage permits, Certificate of Occupancy, PCCHD food permit, Illinois ROT registration in MyTax Illinois, and if serving beer/wine, local liquor license then ILCC license.
    • Risks: underestimating build‑out time for plumbing/venting, scheduling PCCHD plan review too late, and waiting on signage approvals.
    • Plan B: open as a pop‑up at permitted temporary events with a temporary food permit while the permanent build‑out finishes. Source: PCCHD.
  • A home‑based Etsy seller in North Valley
    • Action items: check home occupation rules (shipping/receiving, customer visits), get an EIN if the bank requires it, register for ROT if selling taxable goods, set aside taxes.
    • Risks: violation of home‑occupation traffic/parking limits, missing sales tax collection on in‑state sales.
    • Plan B: use a co‑working or small warehouse suite for pickups if home traffic becomes an issue. Sources: Peoria Code of Ordinances, MyTax Illinois.
  • A mobile food truck operating downtown and at the RiverFront
    • Action items: City mobile vendor approval, PCCHD mobile food permit, commissary agreement, Illinois sales tax registration, appropriate fire safety equipment, and route planning for local zoning rules.
    • Risks: not having a compliant commissary kitchen, parking rules at events, missing local vendor permissions.
    • Plan B: partner with breweries or event venues with established permissions, and confirm each site’s local rules in advance. Sources: City of Peoria, PCCHD.

Fees and cost planning (state-level items you can plan now)

Note: Only include amounts published by official sources. Verify current fees on the linked pages before you pay.

Item Amount (bold where published) Source
Illinois LLC Articles of Organization $150 Illinois SOS – LLC (fees)
Illinois LLC Annual Report $75 Illinois SOS – LLC Annual Reports
Illinois Corporation filing fee Check official schedule Illinois SOS – Corporations
EIN (IRS) $0 IRS – Apply for EIN
Illinois business tax registration (MyTax Illinois) $0 MyTax Illinois
Certificate of Resale (CRT‑61) $0 to use IDOR – Sales Tax Forms
Peoria County assumed name (DBA) Check County Clerk for current amounts Peoria County – County Clerk
Local licenses (liquor, tobacco, mobile vendor, STR, etc.) Varies by license City of Peoria
PCCHD food permits Varies by risk level/type PCCHD

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If a cost seems off, you may be on a third‑party site. Only pay fees through the official government sites linked above.
  • If your budget is tight, ask agencies if fees are prorated by date or if there are reduced fees for part‑year operations.

Inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility resources (Peoria and Illinois)

Most important action: if you qualify, get certified or connect with programs that open doors to contracts, grants, and mentoring.

  • Minority/Women/Persons with Disabilities (BEP) certification for state contracting
    • Illinois’ Business Enterprise Program (BEP) certifies minority‑owned, women‑owned, and persons‑with‑disabilities‑owned firms for state procurement opportunities. Source: Illinois CMS – BEP Certification.
    • Benefits: access to set‑asides and goals on state contracts, visibility to buyers.
    • Plan B: if you’re not ready for certification, still sign up for procurement alerts and attend vendor outreach events.
  • Veteran‑owned business certification (VBE/VOSB/SDVOSB – state)
  • LGBTQ+‑owned business certification
    • National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) offers certification, widely recognized by corporations and some public entities. Source: NGLCC – Certification.
  • Disability‑owned business certification
  • Small Business Development Center (free advising in Peoria)
  • State grants and financing
  • Language access and immigrant resources

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you don’t meet ownership thresholds for certification, consider teaming/subcontracting with a certified firm while you build capacity.
  • If English is a barrier, ask agencies about interpreters or translated materials (see links above).

Common mistakes to avoid (learned the hard way)

  • Signing a lease before checking zoning and build‑out requirements
  • Assuming there’s a “single” business license and ignoring health/liquor/tobacco/mobility permits
  • Waiting to register sales tax until after selling (penalties apply)
  • Using a paid site for EIN (it’s free from the IRS)
  • Missing Illinois minimum wage and posting requirements
  • Not budgeting time for inspections and re‑inspections
  • Skipping insurance (workers’ comp and general liability)
  • Using the wrong address‑level sales tax rate (use the IDOR Rate Finder)
  • Forgetting annual reports for LLC/corps and local license renewals
  • Failing to keep records for taxes and health inspections

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Book a free session with the Illinois SBDC at Bradley (Turner Center) for a compliance review: SBDC at Bradley.
  • Ask the city or PCCHD for a pre‑opening consultation to catch problems early: City of Peoria, PCCHD.

Document checklist (print this)

  • Formation: SOS‑filed Articles or County DBA certificate, EIN confirmation letter
  • Tax accounts: MyTax Illinois registration confirmation(s), certificate of resale (if used)
  • Location: lease or deed, zoning/CO approvals, building permits, contractor licenses, signage approval
  • Health: plan review approval, pre‑opening inspection report, food safety certificates, commissary agreement (mobile)
  • Licenses: local liquor/tobacco/vendor/STR approvals (if applicable), ILCC state liquor license (if applicable), IDFPR licenses (if applicable)
  • Insurance: workers’ comp, general liability, liquor liability (if applicable), auto (if mobile)
  • HR: payroll setup, IDOL posters, onboarding documents, I‑9s

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you’re missing something on opening day, ask the agency whether limited operations are allowed while you finish (for example, non‑alcohol service while liquor license is pending).

Scan‑friendly step‑by‑step (Peoria‑specific)

  • Confirm address is within City of Peoria limits; identify zoning
  • Choose structure and name; file SOS or County DBA
  • Get EIN ($0); set up business bank account
  • Register taxes on MyTax Illinois ($0)
  • Apply for building/signage permits; plan build‑out
  • Apply for health permits if food; schedule plan review/inspections
  • Apply for local licenses (liquor, tobacco, vendor, STR) if needed; do trainings (BASSET)
  • Set up payroll, workers’ comp, unemployment; confirm minimum wage compliance
  • Test your POS tax rates using the IDOR Rate Finder
  • Schedule final inspections; obtain occupancy approval; open

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If timelines clash, open with a soft launch or temporary operations (like pop‑ups or markets) with proper temporary permits while permanent licenses finalize.

Contact and link directory (bookmark this)

Topic Agency Where to start
City zoning, occupancy, local business licenses City of Peoria City of Peoria – peoriagov.org (use Departments/Contact and site search)
Food permits and inspections Peoria City/County Health Department PCCHD homepage
Business formation (LLC/corp) Illinois Secretary of State SOS Business Services
DBA (assumed name) for sole proprietors/partnerships Peoria County Clerk Peoria County – main site
Sales tax, withholding, Illinois business taxes IDOR – MyTax Illinois MyTax Illinois
Address‑specific sales tax rates IDOR Rate Finder Tax Rate Finder
Liquor licensing (state) Illinois Liquor Control Commission ILCC
Minimum wage and posters Illinois Department of Labor IDOL – Minimum Wage, IDOL – Posters
Employer UI registration Illinois Department of Employment Security IDES Employers
Workers’ Compensation Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission IWCC
Professional licensing IDFPR IDFPR
EIN (federal) IRS IRS – EIN, Phone: 800-829-4933
Small business help (free) Illinois SBDC at Bradley SBDC at Bradley – Turner Center

10 Illinois/Peoria‑specific FAQs

  • Do I need a City of Peoria “business license” if I’m just opening an office?
    • Often no separate city “business license,” but you still need zoning/occupancy approval for the space, and state/federal registrations. Always confirm with the city. Source: City of Peoria.
  • I’m operating from home—what are the rules?
    • Home occupations have limits on signage, employees on site, customer visits, and deliveries. Read the zoning code and ask the city for a quick check of your address and use. Source: Peoria Code of Ordinances.
  • What’s the sales tax I should charge in Peoria?
    • The state base is 6.25%; your address may have local add‑ons. Use the IDOR Rate Finder to get the exact rate. Source: IDOR Rate Finder.
  • How much is the LLC filing in Illinois?
    • Illinois LLC Articles of Organization fee is 150∗∗;annualreportis∗∗150**; annual report is **75 (verify current fees). Source: Illinois SOS – LLC.
  • Can I get my EIN same day?
    • Usually yes, instantly online. Phone help: 800-829-4933. Source: IRS – EIN.
  • I’m opening a restaurant—what’s first?
    • Talk to PCCHD about plan review and the city about zoning/build‑out before you sign or build. Source: PCCHD, City of Peoria.
  • Do I need BASSET training?
    • Yes, Illinois requires BASSET training for on‑premise alcohol servers and sellers (timelines vary by role; check ILCC). Source: ILCC – BASSET.
  • What’s the Illinois minimum wage in 2025?
    • Scheduled to be $15.00/hour on January 1, 2025 (adults). Confirm current details and tipped/youth rules. Source: IDOL – Minimum Wage.
  • I sell only online—do I still need to register for sales tax?
    • If you ship to Illinois addresses and meet seller thresholds or are located in Illinois, you generally must register and collect. Source: IDOR – Sales & Use Taxes.
  • Where can I get free help writing a business plan or understanding licenses?
    • Illinois SBDC at Bradley’s Turner Center offers free advising and workshops. Source: SBDC at Bradley.

What to budget time and money for (table you can share with your landlord)

Category Must‑do items Money to set aside
Formation & tax accounts SOS filing, EIN, MyTax Illinois 150∗∗(LLCfiling),∗∗150** (LLC filing), **0 EIN, $0 MyTax (verify fees)
Space & build‑out Zoning, building permits, inspections, signage Permit fees vary; contractor bids; contingency 10–20% of build‑out
Health (food) Plan review, equipment, inspections Permit fees vary; equipment $ depends on menu; training
Local licenses Liquor/tobacco/vendor/STR, background checks Fees vary by category; insurance for liquor
Operations POS, accounting, insurance, payroll Setup fees; monthly software; insurance premiums
People Workers’ comp, payroll taxes, training Workers’ comp premiums vary by class; training costs

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If your budget is tight, phase your launch (limited menu, beer/wine only, smaller footprint) to reduce upfront costs while you build revenue.

“What to bring” to each counter (by agency)

  • City of Peoria (zoning/permits/occupancy)
    • Lease/deed, site plan/floor plan, contractor info, scope, proposed signage, parking details.
  • PCCHD (food)
    • Menu, equipment list/spec sheets, floor plan, plumbing/electrical plans, food safety certifications, commissary info (mobile).
  • IL SOS (formation)
    • Articles, registered agent, organizer/incorporator info, payment method.
  • IDOR (MyTax Illinois)
    • EIN, formation docs, ownership info, NAICS code, start date, locations.
  • ILCC (liquor)
    • Local license approval, background checks, BASSET compliance, floor plan/security plan, insurance.
  • IDFPR (professional)
    • Education/training verification, exam results, background check, fees.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If you’re missing documents, ask the clerk which items can be submitted later so you don’t lose your place in the queue.

Accessibility, timelines, and realistic expectations

  • Response times ebb and flow with busy seasons (construction season, school year start). Submit early.
  • Many offices offer online intake or email submissions; use them to time‑stamp your application.
  • Keep all approvals in one digital folder (PDFs) so you can respond quickly to any request for proof.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If your application stalls, politely follow up with the agency contact and ask whether any items are holding you back, and whether partial approvals are possible.

About This Guide

  • Purpose: a practical, Peoria‑specific roadmap with direct links to official sources. No fluff.
  • Sources: City of Peoria, Peoria County/PCCHD, Illinois SOS, IDOR, IDES, IDFPR, ILCC, IDOL, IRS. Each claim in this guide is sourced to an official or well‑established site via a clickable link.
  • Dates: Laws, fees, and processes change. Where dollar amounts are shown (for example, Illinois LLC fees and the state minimum wage schedule), they are taken from official sources. If a current amount was not available without checking the live site, this guide tells you to verify at the linked agency page.
  • Local nuance: Peoria’s rules can differ from neighboring cities (Peoria Heights, West Peoria). Always confirm your jurisdiction and use the correct agency.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information only and does not replace legal, tax, or licensing advice. Program rules, fees, deadlines, and processes change. Always verify details and dollar amounts directly with the relevant agency using the links provided:

If you see anything that looks outdated or if a link is broken, rely on the agency’s current page and contact that agency directly.