Individual massage therapists in Illinois must hold a state license under the Massage Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 57. Cook County requires a Ch. 54 establishment license for massage businesses in unincorporated areas, with zoning review and anti-trafficking inspection authority shared with the Sheriff.
Illinois licenses individual massage therapists statewide under the Massage Licensing Act, 225 ILCS 57, administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Therapists must hold a current IDFPR license and post it on premises. In unincorporated Cook County, the establishment itself must obtain a Ch. 54 business license with zoning review under Ch. 102. The Cook County Sheriff and CCDPH conduct compliance inspections aimed at trafficking, illicit massage, and unlicensed practice. Most suburbs require parallel local licensing, often modeled on the Illinois Municipal Code grant of authority. Chicago runs its own massage establishment license under MCC 4-92. Mobile and outcall therapists must still hold the IDFPR license.
Operating an unlicensed massage establishment, employing unlicensed therapists, or refusing inspection in unincorporated Cook County is punishable by license suspension and fines. Practicing massage without an IDFPR license is a Class A misdemeanor under 225 ILCS 57/90.
See how Evanston's massage establishments rules stack up against other locations.
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