How to Get Your Real Estate License in Illinois (2026)
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Ready to start your real estate career in Illinois? Whether you want to help buyers find their dream home or build a business in commercial real estate, getting licensed is your first step. Here is exactly what you need to do, step by step.
Illinois requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education, and total government fees run approximately $270. The entire process typically takes 4 to 24 weeks from start to finish. For the complete requirements breakdown, see our Illinois real estate license requirements page.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you invest time in coursework, confirm that you meet Illinois's basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- Residency: Not required
- Background check: Required
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Sponsoring Broker: Required — License must be affiliated with a sponsoring managing broker to practice.
- Social Security Number: Required
Licensing is overseen by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Step 2: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Illinois requires 75 hours of approved pre-licensing education before you can sit for the licensing exam. You can complete this entirely online through accredited providers, which allows you to study at your own pace.
Your coursework will cover:
- Broker Pre-License Topics (60 hrs — self-study/online permitted)
- Applied Real Estate Principles (15 hrs — must be interactive: in-person or live webinar)
Complete your 75 required hours online
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Step 3: Pass the Illinois Real Estate Licensing Exam
After completing your education, you will need to pass the Illinois real estate licensing exam, administered by PSI Services LLC.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 100 | 150 min | 75% |
| State (Illinois) | 40 | 60 min | 75% |
5–10 additional unscored pretest questions may appear. Must pass within 2 years of completing pre-licensing coursework. Note: some sources report 70% passing score for national portion — 75% for both is more widely cited, but verify with PSI directly.
Step 4: Submit Your License Application
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Here is what the process looks like:
Complete 75 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 60-hour Broker Pre-License Topics (online OK) and 15-hour Applied Real Estate Principles (must be interactive/live) from an IDFPR-approved school.
Estimated time: 2–6 weeks
Pass Education Provider's Final Exam
Your school administers a final exam upon course completion.
Estimated time: Same day
Schedule and Pass State Exam
Register with PSI Services. Pay $58 exam fee. Score 75% on both national (100 questions) and state (40 questions) portions.
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks
Get Fingerprinted
Visit an IDFPR-approved LiveScan vendor for a criminal background check. Cost: ~$50–$75.
Estimated time: 1 week
Find a Sponsoring Managing Broker
A licensed managing broker must agree to sponsor your license.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit Application via IDFPR eLicense Portal
Apply online at online-dfpr.micropact.com. Pay $150 application fee.
Estimated time: 1–4 business days processing
Complete Post-License Education
45 hours of post-license education required before your first renewal deadline.
Estimated time: Before first renewal (within 2 years)
Key Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Exam Fee | $58 |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $62 |
| Total Government Fees | $270 |
Step 5: Complete Post-License Requirements
Illinois requires newly licensed agents to complete additional education after receiving their license:
First renewal requires 45 hours of post-license education. Specific course names confirmed by IDFPR 45-Hour Broker Post License Curriculum document.
Get ahead on post-license requirements
Complete your Illinois post-licensing education online. Start right after you get licensed so you don't fall behind.
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Step 6: Stay Licensed — Continuing Education
Once you are licensed, Illinois requires ongoing continuing education (CE) to keep your license active.
- 12 hours of CE every 2 years
- Renewal fee: $200
- CE deadline: April 30
Stay compliant with online CE courses
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Illinois Real Estate License: Quick Reference
| Pre-Licensing Hours | 75 hours |
| Total Government Fees | $270 |
| Exam Provider | PSI Services LLC |
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Estimated Timeline | 4–24 weeks |
| CE Requirement | 12 hours every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $200 |
| Licensing Authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
For the complete, detailed requirements, visit our Illinois real estate license requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Illinois?▼
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Illinois?▼
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Start Your Illinois Real Estate Education Today
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before making decisions. Data last verified 2026-04-02.
Real Estate Agent Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $62,420 | $499 | 3 mo | View → |
| Texas | $50,150 | $276.25 | 8 wk | View → |
| Florida | $50,140 | $180.5 | 5 wk | View → |
| New York | $97,440 | $80 | 4 wk | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $53,590 | $178 | 4 wk | View → |
| Illinois | $51,210 | $270 | 4 wk | View → |
| Ohio | $43,860 | $219 | 6 wk | View → |
| Georgia | $56,190 | $329.25 | 5 wk | View → |
| North Carolina | $47,840 | $190 | 4 wk | View → |
| Michigan | $55,600 | $227 | 3 wk | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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