All Firms Must Register
All employers doing engineering design work in Illinois - even if based outside of Illinois - MUST register as a design firm.  The only exception to this rule is a sole proprietorship doing business in the EXACT name as is shown on the Illinois PE License.  In that case the sole proprietor may only offer services for which he/she is licensed.

Register to do Business with the State of Illinois
Authority to transact business in Illinois must be obtained before a firm can register as a design firm in Illinois - a requirement to legally do any design work in the state. Business registration in Illinois is managed by the Secretary of State.  Click the link on the right to register online or call 312.793.3380.

Register Now

Must Have Unique Managing Agent
All design firms must have at least one managing agent in charge of professional engineering services.  The managing agent must be a licensed professional engineer by the State of Illinois and may only be the managing agent for one company or firm.

Be sure to note that the organization must notify the Division of Professional Regulation within 10 business days if there is a change in managing agent.

Articles of Incorporation Purpose
As part of a design firm's application for registration, the organization's Articles of Incorporation must be submitted.  The "purpose" clause of those Articles must include the type of design service(s) the organization is seeking to offer in Illinois.

Design Firm Seal
In addition to the professional engineer seal, all documents or technical submissions prepared by the design firm shall contain the design firm registration number issued by the department. 

Design Firm Administrative Rules

Design Firm Application