Bees and Apiaries Act and regulations require that each new beekeeper register with the IL Department of Agriculture within 30 days of acquiring the bees.  Beekeepers must re-register in November of each year.  The owner receives a certificate with a number, which must be placed on the front of each hive.  There are no fees to register.  The form can be found here.

The Department may enter the premises to inspect the bees, colony, equipment or apiary during reasonable business hours.  Any unregistered beekeeping operation may be declared a nuisance and be abated at the cost of the owner.  Bees cannot be transported between counties, or brought in from outside the state, without a permit.  Transportation of packaged bees requires an inspection certificate.

The Department of Agriculture maintains a website for their beekeeping program.

Continue to Livestock & Poultry