As a real estate agent or broker in Illinois, you must renew your license every two years. However, this process can be complex, expensive, and stressful if followed incorrectly. Let’s look at the process for your Illinois real estate license renewal.
How to Renew a Real Estate License in Illinois
As a licensed real estate agent or broker in Illinois, you must renew your license every two years. This requires you to complete the necessary continuing education courses and other requirements.
Continuing Education
As a salesperson or broker in Illinois, you must complete continuing education courses every two years. These can be taken online or in person at an approved real estate school.
You will need to complete 12 hours of approved continuing education courses. These include four hours of Illinois Core courses, along with a one-hour course on sexual harassment prevention, discrimination, and fair housing. The final seven hours can be completed as electives.
If this is your first renewal, you will need to complete the 45-hour post-license education course before you can renew.
Apply and Pay the Fee
You will need to fill out your renewal application and pay a $150 fee for your license renewal. If you’re late with renewal, there is an additional $50 fee. It’s best to renew online to ensure you don’t have to pay more than necessary for your real estate license renewal in Illinois.
Active Renewal for Illinois Real Estate License
You can leave your real estate license in inactive status in the state of Illinois for up to five years. Even during this time, you have to complete the continuing education course to keep your license. After five years, you will no longer be able to renew the license. Instead, you will have to submit a reinstatement application to get your real estate license back.
Renewing Your Illinois Real Estate License Online
The process of renewing your Illinois real estate license is pretty easy. It can be done online through the IDFPR online license renewal portal. You will need to register first if you have never renewed before. This will include providing some personal information.
It’s best to complete your continuing education courses at least ten days before your license will expire. This will ensure you have plenty of time to complete the online renewal process.
How much does it cost to renew a real estate license in Illinois?
The main cost you will pay for your continuing education courses. This cost will vary depending on the provider. Of course, you will also need to pay the application fee and a late fee if you’re late with your renewal. The total cost for renewing will likely range from about $300 to $600.
How many continuing education hours will I need to complete when renewing my Illinois real estate license?
You will need to complete 12 hours of continuing education courses every two years to renew your Illinois real estate license. If it’s your first renewal, you will also need to complete the 45-hour post-license course.
