Garage Sale Permit

A permit is needed for all garage sales, yard sales, apartment sales and similar occasional sales of household goods that are conducted on residential property within the City of Chicago.

These permits are free and must be displayed during the sale period. Each household is entitled to two permits each year, with a third sale authorized only if the occupants are moving permanently from their residence. If more than one household is joining in a single sale, each household needs its own permit even if the sale is at the address of only one participating household.

The ordinance also prohibits any signs advertising these sales on light poles or other property except at the site of the sale itself.
These sales are limited to three consecutive days between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and sunset. In case of rain, the sale can be held during the next three days after the permit period, but is still limited to three total days.

To get your permit, download the application from and mail it at least two weeks prior to the sale.