Illinois License Costs How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Illinois?

There is no single fixed total for getting an Illinois real estate broker license. Your costs depend on your education provider, current state and examination fees, and the optional expenses you choose as you begin your career.

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Costs to Budget For

Most aspiring brokers should consider several separate expenses:

  • Prelicensing education: Illinois generally requires 75 hours of broker prelicensing education. Course prices vary by provider and course options. Compare what each course includes before enrolling.
  • Licensing examination: The examination provider charges a fee to register for the state licensing exam. Check its current fee and registration information before scheduling.
  • Application and license fees: IDFPR sets fees related to applying for and obtaining a license. Confirm the current amounts and application requirements with IDFPR.
  • Background check and fingerprinting: Applicants may need to complete fingerprinting as part of the licensing process. Check current instructions and pricing with the designated provider.
  • Optional study resources: Additional exam preparation materials may add to your budget, but they are separate from the required prelicensing education.

Fees and requirements can change. For an accurate estimate, check the current information from IDFPR and the examination provider, and review the price and contents of the course you plan to take.

Expenses After You Become Licensed

Getting a license is only part of the cost of starting a real estate career. Depending on your brokerage and professional choices, you could also have expenses for business tools, marketing, transportation, professional memberships, or access to listing services. These are not all state licensing fees, and the amounts and requirements vary.

Ask a prospective sponsoring brokerage which costs you would be responsible for and when they apply. Separating required licensing expenses from brokerage and career expenses makes it easier to plan realistically.

How to Estimate Your Total

Make a list of your expected costs and verify each amount before paying:

  1. Compare Illinois broker prelicensing course prices and included materials.
  2. Check current examination registration fees and application instructions.
  3. Verify IDFPR application and license fees, along with any fingerprinting requirements.
  4. Ask your prospective brokerage about costs associated with beginning practice.

The total cost to get a real estate license in Illinois is therefore individual, not a single statewide package price. Illinois Broker Academy provides Illinois-focused education to help you understand the licensing process and identify your next step. Visit Illinois Real Estate Education to explore the available resources.