License guide
How to get an Illinois real estate license
Illinois licenses real estate brokers (the entry-level license) through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Here is the path in plain steps, checked against IDFPR and the Real Estate License Act in October 2026.
Step by step
Meet the basics
You must be at least 18, be of good moral character, and have finished high school or hold a State of Illinois High School Diploma.
Take 75 hours of pre-license education
Complete 75 hours of IDFPR-approved courses: 60 hours of Real Estate Topics and 15 hours of Applied Real Estate Principles (situational and case studies, in a classroom, live webinar or online).
Pass the state exam
Personally take and pass the written broker exam authorized by IDFPR. The exam candidate bulletin on the IDFPR site has scheduling details.
Apply and get sponsored
Submit the application with the fees set by rule. You cannot do licensed activity until a sponsoring broker registers your sponsorship with IDFPR.
Finish 45 hours of post-license education
Complete 45 hours of IDFPR-approved post-license education (three 15-hour courses) before your first renewal.
Keeping your license
- Broker licenses renew every 2 years on April 30 of even-numbered years (the current term ends April 30, 2028).
- After post-license education, 12 hours of CE each renewal: a 6-hour Core course and 6 hours of electives, including Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.
- Renew online through IDFPR. If you miss the renewal window, you request a reinstatement application.
Questions
Is there a salesperson license in Illinois?
No. The entry-level license in Illinois is the broker license. Managing broker and residential leasing agent are separate licenses.
Do attorneys need the courses?
Attorneys in active standing with the Illinois Supreme Court are exempt from the high school and 75-hour education requirements, but still take the exam.
Do I need a website on day one?
No, but a simple page with your photo, brokerage and contact info helps clients find you. Property Landing Pages has a free plan with one listing page and an agent site.
Official sources
- IDFPR, Real Estate Brokerage
- IDFPR, 2026 Broker renewal CE fact sheet (PDF)
- 225 ILCS 454/5-27 (broker requirements)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source before you pay or file anything.
Agent directory and local offices
City guides
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More guides: How to get an Indiana real estate license · How to get an Iowa real estate license · How to get an Ohio real estate license · How to get an Idaho real estate license · How to get an Arkansas real estate license · All guides
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