Get your permit.

The fastest way

Walk into your ward office in person. They have copies of the application on hand. Filling it out takes about 5 minutes. You leave with the permit the same day. No mailing, no waiting, no faxing.

Bring one thing: a valid driver's license or Illinois state ID with your current address on it. That's it. That covers both photo ID and proof of residency in one document.

If your ID address doesn't match the sale address (recently moved, license is outdated, etc.), bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address along with the ID.

The form is a single page. You hand it over, they stamp it, you walk out with your permit.

Recommended: grab your permit by Thursday, July 16. That's two days before the event, which gives you a buffer in case anything's missing. You can technically get it the day of, but don't cut it that close.

Where to go

Our target area touches three wards. Find yours below. If you're not sure which ward your address is in, look it up at chicago.gov's ward lookup. Any of the three offices can also direct you if you walk into the wrong one.

Can't go in person?

If you really can't get there during business hours, here are the alternatives. Slower, but they work:

• Email it. Download the application from chicago.gov, fill out page 2, scan or photograph it along with your ID, and email both to your ward office.
• Fax or mail. Both are accepted. Fax numbers and mailing addresses are listed on each ward's website.

Download the application (PDF). You only need to fill out page 2.

The rules in 30 seconds

• Each household needs its own permit, even if you're joining a multi-house event like this one
• Sales run 9am to sunset; the permit must be displayed during the sale
• You're limited to 2 permits per year (3 if you're moving permanently)
• Signs can only be posted on your own property, not on poles, fences, or city property. Fines are $50–$500 per day per sign.

Questions? Email danny.maller@gmail.com and we'll help you figure it out.