Thinking of getting a real estate license in Illinois? There is plenty of real estate potential in the Land of Lincoln. Whether you are representing lofts in Chicago or farm land near the John Deere Moline headquarters, a real estate license will give the ability and information to best represent clients. Read on to learn what the State of Illinois requires before they will issue a real estate license. Be sure to review all requirements thoroughly. If you have any questions, please contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) office at (217) 782-3000 or visit their website at the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation.

When you are ready to begin your Illinois real estate education requirements, Real Estate Express is here to help you with a flexible, easy to use, online Illinois Real Estate License course. Contact Real Estate Express at 1-866-739-7277 or at www.realestateexpress.com for more information.

Step 1:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent

Step 2 (Becoming a Licensed Leasing Agent):

• Applicable only if you are going to be leasing residential property
• Complete an IDFPR approved course pre-licensing course
  • 15 hours in a classroom/online
• Pass a State Test
• File an application
• Pay required fee

Step 3 (Becoming a Real Estate Sales Associate):

• Complete Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approved pre-licensing course
  • 45 hours in a classroom/online
• Approved course available through Real Estate Express
• Pass a State Test
• File an application
• Pay required fee

Step 4 (After You Obtain a Sales Associate License):

• Complete 12 hour post licensing course
  • Renew license every two years – continuing education required every renewal period
• If you obtain a license less than one year before the first renewal date, you may be exempt from continuing education
  • Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) office at (217) 782-3000 or visit their website at the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation for further exemption information

Step 5 (Becoming a Real Estate Broker):

• If you DO NOT have a salesperson license:
  • 45 hour salesperson pre-license course
    • Classroom/Online
  • 75 hour of approved broker pre-licensing courses
    • Classroom/Online
• If you DO have a salesperson license:
  • 75 hour of approved broker pre-licensing courses
    • Classroom/Online
• Approved course available through Real Estate Express
• Pass a State Test
• File an application
• Pay required fee

Step 6 (After You Obtain a Broker’s License):

• Complete 12 hour post licensing course
  • Renew license every two years – continuing education required every renewal period
• If you obtain a license less than one year before the first renewal date, you may be exempt from continuing education
  • Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) office at (217) 782-3000 or visit their website at the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation for further exemption information