We understand the challenges of preparing for broker license renewal. If you are fielding lots of questions from brokers about license renewal, you may refer to these answers to frequently asked questions provided by Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center Education Specialists.

Have your brokers fulfilled their broker renewal requirements? You may refer them to the broker renewal webpage or this flier to review requirements.

Brokers who are renewing their license for the first time (brokers licensed between February 1, 2016 and January 31, 2018) may fulfill their 30-hour post-license education requirement with the Illinois REALTORS® 30-hour Online Broker Post-License package.

Brokers who were licensed prior to February 1, 2016 may fulfill their CE requirements with the Illinois REALTORS® 12-hour online CE package or individual CE courses from the Illinois REALTORS® Store.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When does the IDFPR renewal site open?

A. The IDFPR renewal site is open for broker renewal. You should receive an email from IDFPR with your unique pin number. If you did not get one, you may also access your renewal with your social security number or date of birth.

Q. How do I find out when my license expires so I know what is required for this renewal?

A. Use IDFPR’s online license lookup or call (888) 473-4858.

Q. What are the fees for broker license renewal?

A. Broker renewal is $150. If you renew after April 30, 2018, an additional $50 late payment penalty will be incurred.

Q. How long will it take for my new license expiration date to appear following my renewal?

A. It will take up to one week for your new license expiration date to appear on the IDFPR website. You will then be able to return to the IDFPR website and print your renewed license.

Q. If I have completed my renewal requirements, paid the fee, and submitted the renewal application by the deadline, may I still practice while waiting to print my new license?

A. Yes, but make sure you keep records of all your CE, a copy of the renewal application, and copies of your method of payment in case of an IDFPR audit. These may be needed to prove your timely renewal.

Q. There were changes to the license law in 2017. Do those apply to the 2018 Broker Renewal?

A. One substantive change in the Act became immediately effective on January 1. 2018: the implementation of test-free courses. Courses taken in a classroom, via live interactive webinar, or through on online distance education format are eligible to eliminate the testing that normally accompanies them. Because of the added requirements placed on education providers for record keeping, it is thought that only a few education providers will be able to cease administering tests right away.

The most important takeaway from the Department’s Education Transition Plan is that the broker license renewal date, April 30, 2018, remains unchanged. Brokers may continue to take any course that is available to them and that qualifies for credit between January 1st and April 30th (including courses that have eliminated testing at the completion of the course). Likewise, the leasing agent renewal date, July 31, 2018, also remains unchanged.

Q. Do I still have to take an exam at the end of my courses?

A. Courses taken in a classroom, via live interactive webinar, or through on online distance education format are eligible to eliminate the testing that normally accompanies them. Because of the added requirements placed on education providers for record keeping, it is thought that only a few education providers will be able to cease administering tests right away. Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center courses no longer require an exam.

We are here to be your resource. Contact an Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center Education Specialist if you have questions or need assistance with preparing your brokers for license renewal. Email [email protected] or call (800) 523-5077.