Collection / ARM in Illinois

Who needs this in Illinois

Collection agencies that collect from Illinois consumers generally need an IDFPR collection-agency license. Agencies that collect from Chicago residents may also need the City of Chicago debt-collection license on top of the state license.

Where to file

File the Illinois collection-agency license on NMLS with IDFPR. If you collect from Chicago residents, add the city’s license separately — the state license does not replace it.

Federal overlay

State licensing does not replace the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, CFPB Regulation F, or the TCPA. Those rules apply whether or not a state issues a license.

Sources

• NMLS / CSBS state agency contacts
• CFPB — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• City of Chicago business licensing