Lake County, IL Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- unincorporated Lake County only
- Annual license fee
- $100
- License term
- one year from issuance
- Fine range
- $25 to $500 per day
- Issuing authority
- County Board Chair as License Officer
Summary
Operating a massage establishment or working as a masseuse or masseur in unincorporated Lake County requires an annual license from the County Board, with a $100 fee and fines of $25 to $500 per day for violations.
No person shall operate a massage establishment or hold himself or herself out as a masseuse or masseur operating within unincorporated areas of Lake County, Illinois a massage establishment without first having obtained a license therefor from the county. A masseuse or masseur must comply with the requirements of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code Chapter 114 requires anyone operating a massage establishment, or holding themselves out as a masseuse or masseur, in the unincorporated county to first obtain a license from the County Board Chair, who serves as License Officer. Applicants must submit sworn applications with identification, a criminal history check and fingerprints (or a valid Illinois massage therapy license in lieu of the background check), proof of completion of an accredited massage therapy program or passage of the National Certification Examination, and certifications from the Health Department and the Planning, Building and Development Department. The $100 annual license expires after one year and can be denied, suspended, or revoked for cause, including felony violence or sexual-misconduct convictions.
Violations & Fines
Operating a massage establishment or working as a masseuse without a license is punishable by a fine of $25 to $500 per day of violation, and the State's Attorney can seek an injunction to shut it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this license apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
Can a state-licensed massage therapist skip the county background check?
What happens if a licensee is convicted of a violent felony?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois business licensing & operations overview
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