Business License Portal is now Open!

On July 26, 2021, the Pekin City Council passed an ordinance requiring all self-employed individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations located within the Pekin city limits to register for a Pekin general business license prior to May 1, 2022.

It’s free, quick, and easy to register your business using our online portal! To complete your registration, just visit www.ci.pekin.il.us and click the “All Other Applications” button to access the registration website. After successful registration, you will receive a business license that you must display in your primary place of business and will also be automatically reminded by e-mail when it is time to renew your registration.

What if I am self-employed or have a home-based business?	If you reside in the Pekin city limits and are self-employed or operate a home-based business, you are required to register.
Does it matter if my business is a sole proprietorship or corporation?	All businesses with commercial or industrial locations located within the Pekin city limits are required to register regardless of structure.
What if I have multiple locations?	You are required to register each location separately and should display the license provided to you at each location.
What types of entities are excluded from the licensing requirement?	Exempted entities include: Units of government; Public or cable utilities; Houses of worship (unless offering business-like services such as a daycare); and Persons holding garage sales located in residential areas.

This is a required registration. Self-employed individuals and businesses that fail to register before May 1, 2022 may be subject to fines of up to $500 per day of continued operation without a valid City of Pekin general business license. If you are unable to register electronically at the website listed above or have questions, please contact Pekin City Hall at (309) 477-2300 for assistance.