Illinois broker licenses all renew on the same day, every two years. Miss it, and your license expires, even if you weren’t using it. Here’s everything you need for the 2028 renewal, in one place.

The deadline: April 30, 2028

Illinois rules say: “Every broker license expires on April 30 of each even-numbered year.” The last deadline was April 30, 2026, so the next is April 30, 2028.

That date applies whether your license is active or inactive, and whether you closed 50 deals or none. IDFPR’s fact sheet also confirms that licenses issued on or after November 1, 2025 “will have an expiration date of 4/30/2028.”

What it costs

Those are state fees paid to IDFPR. Your CE courses cost extra, and so does your brokerage’s own fee, if it charges one.

How many CE hours you need

What you need depends on when you were first licensed. Here’s how it worked for the most recent renewal, from IDFPR’s 2026 fact sheet:

A few details that trip people up:

• The core course includes fair housing. The law says the core “shall consist of 6 total hours” and “must include at least 2 credit hours of fair housing training.”
• Took the old 4-hour core? If you completed the earlier 4-hour core course between May 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, IDFPR’s fact sheet says you need 8 elective hours instead of 6.
• Licensed close to a deadline? If your license was issued within 180 days of your first renewal deadline, your 45 post-license hours are due by the second renewal instead.
• Attorneys are exempt from CE, but still must certify at renewal.

CE rules can change between cycles. Check IDFPR’s current fact sheet before you sign up for courses.

Do inactive licensees have to renew?

Yes. This is the most common surprise. IDFPR’s inactive-status form says licensees “must remain current with Continuing Education (CE) requirements in addition to submitting a renewal application and fee for each license term.” The law adds that “no license may be renewed except upon the successful completion of the required courses.”

In other words, going inactive doesn’t stop the clock. An inactive license that isn’t renewed expires like any other.

Your renewal checklist

1. Now: Put April 30, 2028 in your calendar, plus a reminder for March 1, 2028.
2. Look up your license on IDFPR. Confirm your expiration date and whether you’re active or inactive.
3. Figure out which CE you need using the table above, based on when you were first licensed.
4. Take your CE early. Courses are online and self-paced. Keep your completion certificates.
5. Renew and pay the $200 fee with IDFPR before April 30, 2028.
6. Check your status again after renewing to make sure it updated.

What if you miss the deadline?

Your license expires once April 30 passes, and practicing on an expired license counts as unlicensed practice. But it’s fixable:

• Up to 2 years expired: renew with proof of CE, the $200 renewal fee and a $75 late fee.
• 2 to 5 years expired: file IDFPR’s restoration application, show CE for each lapsed term, and pay the late fee plus every lapsed renewal fee.
• More than 5 years: you’re treated as a new applicant.

For more on what each status allows, read active vs. inactive vs. expired.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Illinois real estate broker license renewal?

April 30, 2028. Every Illinois broker license expires on April 30 of each even-numbered year.

How much does it cost to renew an Illinois broker license?

The state renewal fee for an unexpired broker license is $200. If your license has been expired for 2 years or less, add a $75 late fee.

How many CE hours do Illinois brokers need to renew?

Most brokers need 12 hours per two-year term: a 6-hour core course, including at least 2 hours of fair housing, plus 6 elective hours that include sexual harassment prevention training. Brokers in their first license term complete 45 hours of post-license education instead.

Do I have to do CE if my license is inactive?

Yes, to renew it. IDFPR’s inactive-status form says inactive licensees must remain current with CE and submit a renewal application and fee for each license term. No license can be renewed without completing the required courses.

What happens if I miss the April 30 deadline?

Your license expires. Within 2 years you can renew with your CE, the $200 renewal fee and a $75 late fee. From 2 to 5 years you file a restoration application. After 5 years you must meet all new-applicant requirements.

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