Last verified: September 18, 2026
Illinois at a glance
This Illinois real estate license guide explains the licensing path from education and examination through application, first issuance, continuing education, and renewal.
- 18 for the standard initial real estate salesperson pathway; specific license classes can have additional requirements.
- Initial cost: Typical initial licensing cost: $270. This is an estimated total for the standard entry pathway and can include education, exam, application and background-check costs; it is not a single state application fee.
- Validity: 2 years
- Illinois requires a real estate licensing examination for the standard entry pathway. The licensing examination is administered by PSI Services. The exam may contain national and state-law components depending on the jurisdiction. Reciprocity or endorsement applicants can have different examination requirements.
Education & Eligibility
For the standard entry-level real estate credential in Illinois, the standard entry pathway requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education. Applicants generally must meet the state's minimum age and education requirements, complete approved pre-license education, pass the required examination, submit the license application, and satisfy any fingerprint/background requirements. Illinois does not have a blanket reciprocity path in the current ; out-of-state applicants should review the state's recognition rules.
Costs, timing and validity
18 for the standard initial real estate salesperson pathway; specific license classes can have additional requirements.
Typical initial licensing cost: $270. This is an estimated total for the standard entry pathway and can include education, exam, application and background-check costs; it is not a single state application fee.
Typical renewal fee: $200 per renewal cycle.
2 years
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Typical Illinois application materials include proof of approved pre-license education, examination results, identification, application information, fee payment, and background/fingerprint documentation where required. Out-of-state applicants may also need a certified license history or license verification. Follow the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate checklist for the exact documents.
How to apply
Start with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.
Complete the state's approved pre-license education (75 hours for the standard entry credential), register for the PSI Services examination when required, complete fingerprints/background screening if applicable, pass the required exam, and submit the license application.
If the license requires broker sponsorship, complete the state-required affiliation/activation step before conducting licensed activity.
Education & Licensing Exam
Illinois requires a real estate licensing examination for the standard entry pathway. The licensing examination is administered by PSI Services. The exam may contain national and state-law components depending on the jurisdiction. Reciprocity or endorsement applicants can have different examination requirements.
Renewal and ongoing requirements
The standard real-estate renewal cycle is 2 years. The renewal cycle requires about 12 hours of continuing education for the standard real-estate license, with the renewal timing described as April 30. Requirements can differ for first renewal, brokers and special license categories. Confirm the current education, fee and renewal instructions with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate before the license expires.
Processing time
Processing in Illinois depends on completion of education, exam scheduling and results, fingerprint/background checks, application completeness, and commission review. Applications involving reciprocity, disciplinary disclosures, or missing documents can require additional review time.
Quick Answers
Who regulates real estate licensing?
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate
What must I complete before applying?
For the standard entry-level real estate credential in Illinois, the standard entry pathway requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education. Applicants generally must meet the state's minimum age and education requirements, complete approved pre-license education, pass the required examination, submit the license application, and satisfy any fingerprint/background requirements. Illinois does not have a blanket reciprocity path in the current ; out-of-state applicants should review the state's recognition rules.
What exams or education are involved?
Illinois requires a real estate licensing examination for the standard entry pathway. The licensing examination is administered by PSI Services. The exam may contain national and state-law components depending on the jurisdiction. Reciprocity or endorsement applicants can have different examination requirements.
What should I know about renewal?
The standard real-estate renewal cycle is 2 years. The renewal cycle requires about 12 hours of continuing education for the standard real-estate license, with the renewal timing described as April 30. Requirements can differ for first renewal, brokers and special license categories. Confirm the current education, fee and renewal instructions with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate before the license expires.