Illinois License Requirements
Illinois Insurance License Requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know to get and keep your Illinois insurance license — hours, exam, fingerprinting, renewal, and state-specific rules.
Illinois Insurance License Requirements at a Glance
Key facts for getting and maintaining your Illinois insurance license.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Residency Requirement | Must be a resident of Illinois |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life) | 20 hours |
| Prelicensing Hours (Health) | 20 hours |
| Prelicensing Hours (Life & Health Combined) | 40 hours |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Fee | $92 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Application Fee | $215 |
| Background Check Cost | $50 |
| Fingerprinting Required | No |
| CE Hours Required | 24 hours every 2 years |
| Ethics CE Hours | 3 hours |
| Renewal Deadline | Illinois licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years |
| License Duration | 2 years |
| Special Training Required | No |
| Total Cost Estimate | $350-500 estimated total cost |
| Total Licensing Time | 2-4 weeks |
How to Get Your Illinois Insurance License
Follow these five steps to go from zero to licensed in Illinois.
Complete Prelicensing Education
Illinois requires you to complete 40 hours of state-approved prelicensing education before sitting for the exam. JustInsurance's online courses let you study at your own pace on any device. You'll receive an official certificate of completion once you finish.
Browse Illinois Prelicensing Courses →Schedule and Pass the State Exam
The Illinois insurance licensing exam is administered by Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $92, and you'll need a passing score of 70%. Schedule your exam online after completing your prelicensing education.
Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE →Complete Fingerprinting
Not required
Apply for Your License
Submit your application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) The application fee is $215. Processing typically takes 5-day wait + up to 3 business days.
Apply for Your Illinois License →Get Appointed and Start Selling
Once your Illinois insurance license is issued, you must be appointed by an insurance carrier before you can sell their products. Each carrier you work with will submit an appointment request to the Illinois Department of Insurance. Appointments are typically processed within a few business days, and there is no additional exam required. Your sponsoring agency or carrier will guide you through this process.
Illinois Fingerprinting Requirements
Not required
Name Match Requirement
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
Illinois CE Renewal Requirements
To keep your Illinois insurance license active, you must complete continuing education every 2 years. Here are the details:
24 hours
Total CE Hours
3 hours
Ethics Hours Required
2 years
Renewal Period
Illinois licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years
Renewal Deadline
$39
CE Package Price
IDOI
Regulatory Body
Illinois Insurance Licensing Laws & Regulations
Legal citations and statutory references governing insurance licensing in Illinois.
Insurance Code
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 215 – InsuranceView Statute
Prelicensing Education
215 ILCS 5/500-30(b)
Examination Requirements
215 ILCS 5/500-25(a)
Age Requirements
215 ILCS 5/500-30(a)(1)
Background Check
215 ILCS 5/500-30(a) and (d); Sec. 1520(c) (public adjusters only)
Fingerprinting
N/A — not required
License Application
215 ILCS 5/500-30(a)
CE Requirements
215 ILCS 5/500-35
CE Ethics
215 ILCS 5/500-35(b)(1)
Administrative Code
Title 50 - InsuranceView Statute
Provider Regulation
50 Illinois Administrative Code Part 3119
Illinois Insurance License Requirements — FAQs
How long does it take to get a Illinois insurance license?
Most candidates complete the Illinois insurance licensing process in 2-4 weeks. This includes completing prelicensing education, passing the state exam, fingerprinting (if required), and waiting for license approval after submitting your application.
What happens if my name doesn't match my ID in Illinois?
Your name on the exam registration, course enrollment, and license application must match your government-issued ID exactly. Any discrepancies — including middle names, suffixes, or maiden names — can cause delays in your license application.
Where do I get fingerprinted in Illinois?
Not required
Can I transfer my insurance license from another state to Illinois?
Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. No exam or pre-licensing education is required.
How much does a Illinois insurance license cost?
The total cost to get your Illinois insurance license typically falls in the $350-500 estimated total cost range. This includes: prelicensing course fees, the exam fee ($92), the state application fee ($215), and the background check cost ($50). Individual costs vary based on the line of authority you choose.
What are the Illinois CE requirements?
Illinois requires licensed insurance agents to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 3 hours of ethics training. Your renewal deadline is Illinois licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every 2 years. JustInsurance offers state-approved CE packages starting at $39.
What prelicensing education is required for an Illinois insurance license?
Illinois requires 20 hours of approved prelicensing education for each line of authority — Life or Accident & Health. You must complete the course from a state-approved provider like JustInsurance before sitting for the Pearson VUE exam. The prelicensing certificate is valid for 12 months from the completion date, so you should schedule your exam promptly after finishing your course.
What are the prelicensing hour requirements in Illinois?
Illinois requires 20 hours for Life, 20 hours for Health, and 40 hours for a combined Life & Health license. Courses are available fully online through JustInsurance.
Ready to Get Your Illinois Insurance License?
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