Reciprocal licensing in Illinois is no longer active. As of January 1, 2026, the IDFPR implemented the Endorsement program for all out-of-state licensees, requiring completion of a 30-hour Endorsement course to be eligible for the state portion of the licensing exam. Licensees must identify the license type for which they are eligible and complete the corresponding course.
See 225 IL CS454/5-60 of the Real Estate License Act of 2000 for more details, including the post-license requirements.
To apply for a real estate license by endorsement with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Division of Real Estate, one must hold an active license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction, complete a 30-Hour Broker or Managing Broker Endorsement Course, and apply online through the IDFPR Online Services Portal after passing the exam.
Initial State license type = IL broker
Superior State license type = IL managing broker
1. Complete a 30-Hour Endorsement Course: Illinois-specific course, which focuses on Illinois real estate brokerage law based on one license or the other
- Purchase an Illinois School of Real Estate Endorsement Course using these links:
*Licensee must have been actively practicing as a Managing Broker or its equivalent in another state or jurisdiction during the immediately preceding two years
2. Pass the 40-question Illinois licensing exam
3. Submit Required Documents & Pay Fee
- Transcript for 30-hour Endorsement Course
- Score report for the passed Illinois licensing exam
-
Certified license history from state(s) in which you already hold a real estate license
- Fee based on license type
4. Apply Online with IDFPR
- Online Portal Services – apply for license – navigate to “Online Services” and select “Create/Continue Application.” Choose the “Real Estate Board” and the specific license type you’re applying for.
- Complete Application: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/dre/real-estate-endorsement-application.pdf.
Fill out all required fields, upload the necessary documents (including the Certification by Licensing Agency/Board form and the 30-Hour Endorsement Course Official Transcript, and submit your payment.
5. After Submission
- Confirmation: You will receive a receipt and an email confirming your application submission.
- Status Updates: Check your portal account for updates on the status of your application.
Contact for Issues with the Endorsement Process:
- Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulations – Division of Real Estate
- Website: idfpr.illinois.gov
- Phone: 800-560-6420
- Email: [email protected]
If you have questions about your application status or need help, you can schedule a virtual licensing appointment with IDFPR on a Wednesday.
The above information has been provided by Illinois REALTORS®.