How to get a real estate license in Chicago, IL
There is no separate Chicago real estate license. Agents in Chicago hold an Illinois broker license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the same as everywhere else in the state. Here is what that means locally, with the full steps in the Illinois guide.
The Illinois steps at a glance
- Meet the basics
- Take 75 hours of pre-license education
- Pass the state exam
- Apply and get sponsored
- Finish 45 hours of post-license education
Full Illinois guide · Renewal and CE rules
Chicago by the numbers
- Active licensees
- 15,736
- Brokers
- 11,397
- Managing brokers
- 3,059
- Residential leasing agents
- 1,280
- Licensed brokerage firms
- 1,475
- First licensed in the last 12 months
- 1,174
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation via data.illinois.gov, ODbL (public record), as of October 23, 2026. Counted by the address city and county on file with the state (county filled from the ZIP code when the state left it blank). Active means an active license.
Picking a brokerage in Chicago
The Illinois guide explains when you need to work under a broker. Many new agents talk to a few local offices before they decide. These franchise offices list an address in Chicago.
Offices in Chicago
14 real estate franchise offices list an address in Chicago: 9 Century 21 and 5 Coldwell Banker.
- CENTURY 21 Circle 1724 W Belmont Avenue, 60657 (773) 888-4200 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 Circle 6122 N. Northwest Highway, 60631 (773) 888-4200 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 IMPACT 134 N LaSalle St, 60602 (815) 221-8400 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 NuVision Real Estate 6839 W. Archer Avenue, 60638 (773) 229-9006 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 Realty Associates 2301 South Archer Ave, Suite 3, 60616 (312) 428-9123 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 S.G.R., Inc. 1161 W. Madison Street, 60607 (312) 455-1322 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 S.G.R., Inc. 1823 S. Michigan Ave., 60616 (312) 326-2121 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 S.G.R., Inc. 707 N Western Ave, 60612 (312) 326-2121 · Office site
- CENTURY 21 Universal Real Estate 7300 N. Western Avenue, 60645 (773) 465-0300 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group 1732 W Hubbard St Ste 2C, 60622 (312) 492-7900 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 1314 E 47th St, 60653 (773) 451-1200 · Office site
- Coldwell Banker Realty 1910 N Clybourn Ave, 60614 (312) 266-7000 · Office site
Source: All The Places (CC-0), from each brand's public office locator, as of October 18, 2026. Not affiliated and not a recommendation; confirm details with the office.
Questions
Do I need a separate license to sell real estate in Chicago?
Not for the real estate license itself: the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues it and it covers all of Illinois. The city may have its own business license rules, so check with the city.
Where do I take the course if I live in Chicago?
Any school approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) works, in a classroom or online where the state allows it. Check the approval before you pay.
Nearby city guides: Schaumburg · Arlington Heights · Orland Park · Oak Lawn · Westchester · Glenview · Park Ridge · Evanston
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source.
Licensed already?
Get a free agent website, add Chicago to "Markets I serve" and switch on the directory listing.