The 2020 Broker License Renewal deadline is fast approaching. Illinois REALTORS® has answers to questions about license renewal.
Q. When is the deadline to submit 2020 broker license renewal applications?
A. September 30, 2020 is the deadline for brokers to submit license renewal applications to IDFPR. The deadline was extended by IDFPR in response to COVID-19. Illinois REALTORS® encourages brokers to renew their license as soon as they have completed all their education requirements to avoid processing delays.
Q. How do I submit my license renewal application?
A. Submit your license renewal application and pay the licensing fee on IDFPR’s license renewal portal.
Q. If I haven’t completed my education requirements, should I still submit my renewal application by the deadline?
A. No. Do not submit your renewal application until you have completed all your education requirements. If you renew without completing the required education, you could face a penalty of up to $75 per 3-hour course, or $25 per credit hour that you were deficient (e.g., deficient 3 hours, $75 penalty).
Q. May I still practice real estate as a broker if I have not renewed my license by the deadline?
A. No. If you have not completed your required education, paid the renewal fee, and submitted your renewal application to IDFPR on or before September 30, 2020, you may not practice real estate. Contact the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation to learn your options: IDFPR 1-800-560-6420 or [email protected].
Q. How do I know my renewal application has been approved?
A. You may check your license status using IDFPR’s online License Lookup database. Changes usually appear the next business day after your renewal application has been processed. During high volume periods, processing may be delayed one or two business days.
When your renewal application has been approved, you will receive an email notification from IDFPR Notification ([email protected]). If IDFPR does not have a current email address for you, please notify them immediately. Update your email address with IDFPR.
Q. If I have renewed my license but have not yet received my electronic license email from IDFPR, may I still practice real estate?
A. Yes. Make sure you keep records of your completed education, online renewal confirmation and payment for proof purposes in the case of an audit. Primary source verification and evidence that you are licensed can be obtained free of charge by visiting the IDFPR online License Lookup database. You may print out a screen shot of your license number showing that it is active.
Q. I was required to take Post License courses for my first renewal and took CE in instead. What should I do?
A. If you already renewed it is likely that the Department will catch this in the audit. It would be best to go ahead and take the post license course work as soon as possible so that your records may be sent to the Department. You may still be fined up to $25 per credit hour, but it is always best to notify the department to avoid additional penalties. Unfortunately, the CE you have completed will not count for your next renewal cycle.
Q. How soon may I take courses for the 2022 broker renewal cycle?
A. Once your renewal application has been submitted and processed, you may take courses for the 2022 renewal cycle anytime after May 1, 2020.
Learn more about Broker License Renewal
Visit our Broker Renewal webpage for more information about courses and requirements. Contact one of our Education Specialists if you have additional questions.
