Illinois importing distributor bonds.
From $100.
An Illinois importing distributor of alcoholic liquor must show financial responsibility for the tax it owes. The state requires a bond sized to your liability — generally about twice your average monthly tax, capped at $100,000. Pricing is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — no credit check up to $10,000.
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How much does an Illinois importing distributor bond cost?
2% of the bond amount, from $100. Enter your amount in the calculator for the exact price.
Three steps. One sitting.
No credit check up to $10,000. Here is the whole thing:
Apply online
Your business details, the bond amount your liability requires, and the effective date — that is the application.
Issued on the spot
Most applications approve instantly — the executed bond is generated as soon as you pay. Above $10,000, a soft pull may add a short review.
File with your liquor license
Submit the executed bond with your importing distributor license application or renewal. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the state insists.
What it is and who needs it.
What the financial responsibility bond covers
Illinois licenses distributors of alcoholic liquor under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 (235 ILCS 5). An importing distributor brings liquor into the state and owes the Illinois liquor gallonage tax to the Department of Revenue — so the state wants a bond demonstrating financial responsibility for that tax.
The bond guarantees the distributor pays the liquor tax it owes and properly reports it. If a distributor fails to remit, the Department of Revenue can recover the shortfall against the bond. If you hold both an importing distributor's and a foreign importer's license, generally only one bond is required.
The amount tracks your tax exposure — typically about twice your average monthly liability, with a $1,000 minimum and a $100,000 maximum. Enter the figure your license calls for and we price it from $100; no credit check up to $10,000.
You need this bond if you are
Claims, renewal, filing, and what sets the price.
If a claim is made
A claim comes from the party the bond protects, the obligee named on the form, when the duty the bond guarantees is not met.
The surety investigates and pays a valid claim, up to the bond amount. You then repay the surety: a surety bond is a guarantee of your performance, not insurance for you.
Renewal and term
The premium covers a one-year term from the effective date you choose.
Renew before the expiry date to keep the bond in force: the license, permit or contract it backs expects continuous coverage.
How to file it
File with your liquor license. Submit the executed bond with your importing distributor license application or renewal. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the state insists.
What sets the price
The premium is 2% of the bond amount, $100 minimum: the amount the obligee sets moves the price, not your business profile.
No credit check up to $10,000. Above that, the carrier may run a soft pull, which never affects your score.
Where a check runs, it decides approval; the rate is the same for everyone approved.
One application, issued on the spot.
Submit the application with the bond amount your liability requires — pricing starts from $100 and your executed bond is generated instantly, ready to file.
Start the application →Common questions.
Other Illinois bonds.
Price and requirements checked on the carrier’s application, . Page updated .
Financial responsibility bond, issued today.
Priced from $100. Enter the amount your liability requires and file the same day.