Key Takeaways
- IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation) regulates real estate licensees
- The Division of Real Estate within IDFPR administers the Real Estate License Act
- Illinois licenses Brokers (formerly "salespeople"), Managing Brokers, and Leasing Agents
- IDFPR can suspend, revoke, or fine licensees for violations
- The Real Estate License Act of 2000 (225 ILCS 454) is the primary licensing law
Last updated: January 2026
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates real estate licensees through its Division of Real Estate.
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IDFPR Structure
Division of Real Estate
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, issue licenses |
| Education | Approve schools and courses |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or fine licenses |
Key Personnel
| Position | Authority |
|---|---|
| Secretary | Head of IDFPR |
| Director | Heads Division of Real Estate |
| Board | Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board |
Real Estate License Act of 2000
The Real Estate License Act of 2000 (225 ILCS 454) governs licensing:
| Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
| License requirements | Who must be licensed |
| Exemptions | Who is exempt |
| Prohibited conduct | Violations |
| Penalties | Fines, suspension, revocation |
License Types in Illinois
Illinois terminology differs from other states:
| IL License Type | Equivalent Elsewhere |
|---|---|
| Broker | Salesperson/Sales Agent |
| Managing Broker | Broker |
| Leasing Agent | Leasing-only license |
IDFPR Enforcement Powers
| Power | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Investigate complaints |
| Hearing | Administrative hearings |
| Fine | Monetary penalties up to $25,000 |
| Suspension | Temporary license removal |
| Revocation | Permanent removal |
| Probation | Conditional license |
Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board
The Board assists IDFPR with licensing and discipline:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Rule-making | Recommend rules |
| Discipline | Hear cases |
| Education | Approve curricula |
| Advice | Advise the Secretary |
Board Composition
| Member Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Managing Brokers | 3 |
| Brokers | 2 |
| Public Members | 2 |
| Total | 7 |
License Portability
Starting January 1, 2026
| Change | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reciprocity | Replaced by Endorsement |
| Out-of-state | Apply via endorsement process |
| Requirements | 30-hour endorsement course |
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Test Your Knowledge
Which Illinois agency regulates real estate licensees?
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Test Your Knowledge
In Illinois, what is the equivalent of a "salesperson" license in other states?
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D