How to renew your real estate license in Illinois
Illinois real estate brokers and managing brokers must renew their licenses every two years by completing required education and submitting renewal through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Online Services Portal before their expiration date.
- Illinois real estate license renewal steps
- Step 1: Complete your continuing education requirements
- Step 2: Renew your license through the IDFPR Online Services Portal
- Step 3: Review your information, pay your renewal fee, and confirm approval
- Quick renewal facts
- Continue growing beyond renewal requirements
- FAQs
Illinois real estate license renewal steps
Illinois real estate license renewal cycles vary by license type. Renew your license before its expiration date to avoid interruptions to your ability to practice real estate in Illinois.
Step 1
Complete your continuing education requirements
Before renewing your license, complete all required education for your license type.
Broker first-time renewal (post) requirements: 45 hours
Illinois broker post-license education includes three courses:
- Applied Brokerage Principles
- Risk Management/Discipline
- Transactional Issues
Be sure to save your course completion certificates and maintain copies for your records in case of an IDFPR audit.
Pro Tip: Complete your continuing education at least 30–60 days before your renewal deadline to avoid last-minute reporting or renewal delays.
Step 2
Renew your license through the IDFPR Online Services Portal
Log into the IDFPR Online Services Portal using your account credentials.
From the “My Licenses” section, select your license and begin the renewal process.
Before submitting your renewal application:
- Verify your contact information
- Confirm your email address is current
- Review your license status and renewal requirements
Step 3
Review your information, pay your renewal fee, and confirm approval
Before submitting your renewal:
- Confirm you completed all required education
- Review your renewal application carefully
- Verify all information is accurate
After submitting payment:
- Save your confirmation email and payment receipt
- Monitor your license status through the IDFPR portal
- Verify your renewed license appears as active after processing
Processing times may vary, but license status updates typically appear within 2–4 business days after payment is processed.
Quick renewal facts
Here are a few additional renewal details to keep in mind before submitting your application.
- Broker renewal cycle: April 30 of even-numbered years
- Managing broker renewal cycle: April 30 of odd-numbered years
- Renewal method: Online through the IDFPR Online Services Portal
- Broker first-time renewal education requirement: 45 hours of post-license education
- Broker subsequent renewal continuing education requirement: 12 hours
- Managing broker continuing education requirement: 12 hours
- Sexual harassment prevention training: Required for all license types
- Broker renewal fee: $200
- Managing broker renewal fee: $250
Continue growing beyond renewal requirements
A Colibri Real Estate CE Membership gives you access to continuing education, career development resources, and professional growth opportunities designed to support you beyond your next renewal.
Depending on your membership level, benefits may include:
- Unlimited access to state-approved continuing education courses in Illinois
- Learning Snacks with short trainings, templates, checklists, and business resources
- Discounts on certifications like Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Buyer Agent Expert, and Real Estate AI Specialist (Included FREE in a Pro or Premier package)
- AI MasterTracks training focused on using AI for lead generation, client communication, marketing workflows, and repeat business strategies
Whether you’re focused on staying compliant, building expertise, or growing your business, a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership helps you continue building momentum throughout your real estate career.
Are you licensed in multiple states? Multi-state membership options are available!
Colibri Real Estate also offers CE packages and individual courses for Illinois real estate professionals.
FAQs
If your Illinois real estate license expires, you must immediately stop performing activities that require a real estate license until your license is reinstated.
Practicing real estate with an expired license may result in disciplinary action, fines, or potential license revocation.
If your license has been expired for less than two years, you may still be eligible for reinstatement by:
– Paying the renewal fee and applicable late fee
– Completing required continuing education
– Submitting a reinstatement application through IDFPR
If your license has been expired for more than two years, additional reinstatement requirements may apply, including possible examination requirements.
Illinois real estate licenses renew every two years, but expiration dates vary by license type.
– Brokers renew on April 30 of even-numbered years
– Managing brokers renew on April 30 of odd-numbered years
Yes. Illinois strongly encourages online renewal through the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
Online renewal provides faster processing and immediate payment confirmation.
Illinois brokers renewing for the first time must complete post-license education instead of standard continuing education.
After the first renewal cycle, brokers complete standard continuing education requirements for future renewals.
Illinois typically does not require licensees to upload continuing education certificates during renewal.
However, you must keep copies of your certificates for your records in case you are selected for an IDFPR audit.
Note: This license renewal information is provided as a convenience only and is subject to change at any time. It’s ultimately the responsibility of the licensee to be sure they are meeting all requirements for each license and corresponding renewal period.