When Is An Illinois Real Estate License Required?

Q.  When do I Need an Illinois real estate license?

A.  A person needs a real estate license if they provide assistance which is in any way intended to result in the sale or lease of real estate.  The definition of the word "broker" under the The Illinois Real Estate License Act provides 11 examples of the types of "assistance" that requires a real estate license.  Included are representing clients in the negotiation of real estate sales contracts or leases, and issuing advertising for the sale, purchase or lease of real estate.

The assistance must be provided for others. Accordingly, a person who buys sells or leases real estate as a "principal" does need a real estate license.

Compensation is required.  Therefore, a person who provides assistance on a real estate transaction to a friend or relative, without compensation, does not need a license. Illinois Real estate license requirements.

Posted By Mike Fair, Director
Illinois Acadmy of Real Estate

Multistate Real Estate Licensing

Question:  Can I become a real estate agent in Illinois if I am a resident of another state? 

Answer:  There is no residency requirement for real estate licensing in Illinois, however the applicant must meet the requirements of the Illinois Real Estate License Act.  A real estate salesperson must be associated with an Illinois broker.

Upon meeting the requirements of the Act, an out of state resident could apply for an Illinois broker license. 

Question:  I have a real estate license in another state,  how do I get an Illinois license?

Answer:  The answer to the question depends upon the state and the type of license you hold.  If your state has reciprocity with Illinois, you may apply for a reciprocal license.   Reciprocity permits non-resident salespersons and brokers the right to do business in other states if they meet certain requirements. 

Illinois presently has reciproccol agreements with: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

To obtain reciprocity, a licensee must pass the state portion of the licensing exam in a state, pay a licensing fee and apply to the state to have the license issued.  No pre-license education is required.

We have a study package available to help you prepare for the Illinois portion of the exam.

If your home state does not have a recipricol agreement with Illinois, you may apply for an Illinois license, however, however you must meet the requirements of the  Illinois Real Estate License Act.

  A real estate salesperson must be associated with an Illinois broker or you could apply for an Illinois broker license.