Key Takeaways
- Illinois insurance licenses expire on April 30 of even-numbered years (biennial renewal)
- Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 90 days of expiration require full reinstatement process
- Address changes must be reported to IDOI within 30 days
- IDOI can discipline licensees for violations including suspension, revocation, or fines
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Illinois insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Expiration | April 30 of even-numbered years |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Late Renewal (within 90 days) | Additional penalty fee |
| Expired over 90 Days | Reinstatement required |
Uniform Expiration Date
All Illinois insurance producer licenses expire on April 30 of even-numbered years (2026, 2028, etc.), regardless of when the license was initially issued. This creates a uniform renewal cycle for all producers.
Continuing Education Requirements
Illinois requires 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 24 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 21 |
| CE Period | 2 years (biennial) |
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at IDOI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Ethics course must address Illinois-specific content
- Cannot repeat same course in renewal period
- CE must be completed BEFORE April 30 expiration
Exam Tip: Illinois requires 24 hours of CE with 3 hours of ethics. All licenses expire April 30 of even-numbered years.
Renewal Process
- Complete CE before April 30 expiration
- Submit renewal through NIPR or IDOI
- Pay renewal fee
- Receive renewed license
Late Renewal Consequences
| Timing | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Before April 30 | Normal renewal |
| 1-90 days late | Penalty fee, cannot transact business until renewed |
| Over 90 days late | Must apply for reinstatement |
Reporting Requirements
Illinois producers must notify IDOI of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
Failure to Report
Failure to report changes within 30 days is a violation of the Insurance Code and may result in disciplinary action.
Disciplinary Actions
IDOI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | Minor first offense |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common Violations
- Misrepresentation to clients
- Failure to disclose material information
- Commingling of funds
- Unauthorized transactions
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Felony conviction
- Violations in other states
License Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
Reinstating a License
To reinstate an expired license:
- Complete any outstanding CE
- Pay required fees including penalties
- Submit reinstatement application
- May need to retake exam if expired too long
When do all Illinois insurance producer licenses expire?
How many hours of continuing education does Illinois require for license renewal?
Within how many days must an Illinois insurance producer report an address change to IDOI?