How to Maintain Your Illinois Real Estate Broker License 

You worked hard to earn your Illinois broker license, and keeping it active shouldn’t be a mystery. Whether you're closing deals full-time or building your business on the side, staying compliant with the state’s renewal requirements is key.

This guide walks you through the renewal process step-by-step, so you can stay licensed and focused on growing your career.

When Do Illinois Brokers Need to Renew?

Illinois broker licenses expire every two years on April 30th of even-numbered years. You can submit your renewal application 2–3 months early through the state portal, which we highly recommend.

To confirm your expiration date, check the IDFPR License Lookup tool. This helps you avoid missing deadlines and keeps your license active.

What Continuing Education (CE) Do You Need?

If this isn’t your first time renewing, here’s what’s required:

• 6-hour Core CE Course, covering:
  • License law
  • Brokerage agreements
  • Disclosures
  • Escrow
  • Advertising
  • Fair housing

• 6 elective hours, which must include Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Need to knock that out quickly and efficiently? Explore Illinois continuing education options here.

First-Time Renewing?

If you’re renewing for the first time since getting licensed, the requirements are different. You’ll need to complete a 45-hour post-license course instead of the standard 12 hours. This is a one-time requirement designed to help you transition from pre-licensing into real-world practice.

Get started with our Illinois post-license course.

How to Renew Your Broker License

Online Renewal

Most brokers renew through the IDFPR online portal. Processing typically takes 2–4 business days. That means renewing on a Friday could delay your update until the following week—plan accordingly.

Paper Renewal

Prefer old-school? You can submit a paper renewal form by mail. Just include your completed form and renewal fee.

Mail to:
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Real Estate
PO Box 7570
Springfield, IL 62791-7570

How to Pay Your Renewal Fee

You can pay using:

• ePay online: Pay here
  

• Check or money order: If you’re submitting by mail, make it payable to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
  

Fees may vary, so double-check the amount on the IDFPR renewal page.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

1. Starting Continuing Education Too Late

Even though continuing education is only 12 hours, most brokers can’t knock that out in one sitting, especially with a busy client schedule. Start at least three months before your license expires to stay on track.

2. Forgetting the Deadline

Two years feels far away until it isn’t. Set calendar alerts now for:

• When continuing education should be finished
  

• When renewal opens
  

• One week before the final deadline
  

3. Losing Proof of Completion

Always download and save your CE certificates. You might need them if you're selected for an audit. At Aceable, we keep your records on file and share them with the IDFPR, but it’s smart to keep your own copies too.

Stay Ahead, Stay Licensed

Maintaining your Illinois broker license doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Know your deadlines, knock out your continuing education early, and keep your documentation organized.

Ready to check continuing education off your list? Start your Illinois continuing education with AceableAgent and renew with confidence.