What does Chicago require?
Age 21 or over, a US state driver's licence held for at least a year, a BACP-approved public chauffeur course and test passed within six months, an original certified abstract from the Secretary of State dated within 60 days, a background check, a physician-signed physical examination form and a drug test.[1]
How much is it and how big a vehicle can you drive?
The January 2025 checklist lists a $40 non-refundable licence fee. Vehicles with 16 or more seats including the driver need a commercial licence with a passenger endorsement.[1]
What about outside Chicago?
Other Illinois cities and counties set their own taxi and livery driver rules, so check with the municipality where you will work.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Chicago chauffeur license valid in the suburbs?
It is a City of Chicago licence; suburbs set their own rules.
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] City of Chicago BACP: New applicant public chauffeur license checklist (January 2025) (read 8 Nov 2026)
