Illinois § 4
Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 4.
No collection agency shall operate in this State, directly or indirectly engage in the business of collecting debt, solicit debt claims for others, have a sales office, a client, or solicit a client in this State, exercise the right to collect, or receive payment for another of any debt, without obtaining a license under this Act except that no collection agency shall be required to be licensed if the agency's activities in this State are limited to collecting debts from debtors located in this State by means of interstate communication, including telephone, mail, or facsimile transmission, electronic mail, or any other Internet communication from the agency's location in another state provided they are licensed in that state and these same privileges are permitted in that licensed state to agencies licensed in Illinois. (Source: P.A. 99-227, eff. 8-3-15.) (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-149) Sec. 4. No collection agency shall operate in this State, directly or indirectly engage in the business of collecting debt, solicit debt claims for others, have a sales office, a client, or solicit a client in this State, exercise the right to collect, or receive payment for another of any debt, without obtaining a license under this Act. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, no collection agency shall be required to be licensed if the agency's activities in this State are limited to collecting debts from debtors located in this State by means of interstate communication, including telephone, mail, or facsimile transmission, electronic mail, or any other Internet communication from the agency's location in another state provided they are licensed in that state and these same privileges are permitted in that licensed state to agencies licensed in Illinois. (Source: P.A. 104-149, eff. 1-1-26.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 4
What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4 cover?
Section 4 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Illinois § 4?
A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 4" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Illinois law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.
How does Illinois § 4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.