How to Renew a Real Estate License in Illinois

How to Renew a Real Estate License in Illinois

Renewing your real estate license in Illinois is essential to maintaining your professional standing and ensuring uninterrupted practice. 

Whether you are a residential leasing agent, broker, or managing broker, this guide provides accurate, up-to-date information on renewal timelines, continuing education (CE) requirements, and costs.

How Long is a Real Estate License Good for in Illinois?

In Illinois, real estate licenses are valid for two years. Residential leasing agents must renew their licenses by July 31 of even-numbered years, brokers must renew their licenses by April 30 of even-numbered years, while managing brokers must renew by April 30 of odd-numbered years. Staying aware of these deadlines helps avoid penalties or disruptions to your ability to conduct business.

Steps to Renew Your Real Estate License

Renewing your Illinois real estate license involves three primary steps:

1. Complete Required Continuing Education (CE)
2. Submit Your Renewal Application
3. Pay the Renewal Fee

1. Complete Required Continuing Education (CE)

Illinois requires all real estate professionals to complete specific CE hours during each renewal cycle. Requirements differ depending on your license type.

For Residential Leasing Agents:

• One 8-hour Residential Leasing Agent Core course, which includes the 1-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention training.

For Brokers Renewing for the First Time:

If this is your first broker renewal, skip the 12-hour CE package. According to the IDFPR 2026 CE Fact Sheet, new brokers must complete 45 hours of post-license education instead.

• 3 courses of 15 hours each, covering applied brokerage principles, risk management and discipline, and transactional issues
• A 50-question final exam at the end of each course
• The required 1-hour sexual harassment prevention training, built into the courses, so you don't take it separately

If you were first licensed on or after Nov. 1, 2025, your license expires April 30, 2028. Finish all 45 hours by that date. Taking 12 hours of regular CE does not meet this requirement.

One exception: if your license was issued within 180 days of your first renewal deadline, you have until your second deadline to finish the 45 hours.

For Brokers After Your First Renewal:

• 12 total hours of CE, including:
  • 6 hours of core curriculum, with at least 2 hours of fair housing training. The core also covers license law, agency, disclosures, escrow, and advertising.
  • 6 hours of electives, including a Sexual Harassment Prevention training course. The training counts as an elective if you complete it through a Division-approved education provider.

For Managing Brokers:

• Your CE depends on when you were first issued a managing broker license, according to the IDFPR 2027 Managing Broker CE Fact Sheet.
  • First licensed before Feb. 1, 2025: 24 total hours, including a 12-hour Broker Management CE course, 6 hours of core (with at least 2 hours of fair housing), and 6 hours of electives that include sexual harassment prevention training.
  • First licensed Feb. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2027: 12 total hours, including at least 6 hours of core (with at least 2 hours of fair housing) and 6 hours of electives that include sexual harassment prevention training.
  • First licensed on or after Feb. 1, 2027: You don't renew in 2027. Your license expires April 30, 2029.

CE courses must be completed before submitting your renewal application. Online CE programs, such as those offered by US Realty Training’s partnered CE programs, are a convenient and flexible way to meet these requirements.

2. Submit Your Renewal Application

After completing your CE requirements, submit your renewal application through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) online portal. The process involves:

• Logging in or creating an account on the IDFPR website
• Certify on the application that you completed your CE, and keep your course certificates in case IDFPR audits you
• Confirming or updating your personal and professional details

It is advisable to complete the application well before the deadline to ensure timely processing.

3. Pay the Renewal Fee

The final step is paying the required renewal fee. The costs are as follows:

• Broker License Renewal Fee: $200
• Managing Broker License Renewal Fee: $250

Keep a copy of your payment receipt for your records.

If you got your first broker license within 180 days of your first renewal deadline, you don't pay the first renewal fee. Your license runs to the second deadline instead.

FAQs About Renewing Your Real Estate License in Illinois

Can You Renew a Real Estate License After it Expires?

Yes, you can renew an expired real estate license in Illinois. 

However, if your license has expired for more than two years, additional requirements may apply, such as completing extra CE hours or applying for reinstatement. 

Renewing before expiration avoids late penalties and ensures uninterrupted practice.

How Much Does a Real Estate License Renewal Cost in Illinois?

The total cost of renewing your license is anywhere from $215 to $365 depending on the program, license type, and when you renew.

• Continuing Education courses: $65 
• Residential leasing agent renewal: $150
• Broker license renewal: $200
• Managing broker license renewal: $250
• Late renewal penalty: Typically an additional $75 or more, depending on how late the renewal is.

What Can I Expect From an Online Continuing Education Course?

Online CE courses offer flexibility and ease of access. They include interactive lessons, downloadable materials, and assessments. 

The courses cover core topics such as ethics and legal updates, while electives allow you to explore areas of interest within the real estate field. Typically, courses can include:

• Engaging video lessons led by experienced instructors.
• Modules focused on Illinois-specific topics, including real estate law and industry trends.
• A self-paced structure, allowing you to complete the course at your convenience.

Just make sure the course you take meets Illinois’ state requirements.

How Long is a Continuing Education Course?

The length of CE courses varies. Generally, one credit hour equals one hour of instruction. Therefore, a 4-hour core course would take approximately four hours to complete. 

Online courses are often self-paced, allowing you to manage your study time according to your schedule.

Final Thoughts on Renewing a Real Estate License in Illinois

Renewing your Illinois real estate license is a straightforward process when you stay informed about the requirements and deadlines. Completing your CE courses, submitting your renewal application, and paying the necessary fees on time will ensure your ability to continue practicing without interruption.

Ready to fulfill your CE requirements? Join one of US Realty Training’s partnered CE programs today and complete your courses on your schedule. Click the “enroll” button below to get started!