How to Get an Illinois Real Estate License by Endorsement in 2025

Endorsement vs. Reciprocity: What’s the Difference?

Reciprocity historically meant that Illinois had bilateral agreements with certain states. If you held a real estate license in a reciprocity-eligible state (like Florida, Michigan, or Mississippi), you could apply for an Illinois license without retaking exams or fulfilling Illinois-specific education requirements. Essentially, Illinois would “reciprocate” recognition of your out-of-state license. 

Endorsement, on the other hand, replaces reciprocity with a standardized pathway. Under the new process, any out-of-state licensee—regardless of their original jurisdiction—can obtain an Illinois real estate license by completing: 

1. A 30-hour Illinois Endorsement course (approved by the state)
2. Passing an Illinois-specific section of the broker or managing broker exam
3. Submitting the endorsement application with proof of licensure, fees, and sponsorship. 

Most importantly, you no longer need a specific reciprocity agreement between Illinois and your home state. 

Key Dates for Illinois License Endorsement Changes 

January 1, 2025: Illinois began accepting applications via the endorsement process for out-of-state brokers and managing brokers. 

January 1, 2026: Illinois will discontinue accepting new reciprocity-based license applications. After that date, all out-of-state licensees must go through the endorsement route. 

Reciprocity licenses submitted before January 1, 2026, remain valid, with no immediate effect—but new applicants after that date must use endorsement. 

Broker vs. Managing Broker: Endorsement Requirements Compared

Illinois has two principal real estate license types relevant to the endorsement process: 

1. Broker License

• Qualifies you to do most residential and commercial real estate work.
• Eligibility via endorsement: Applicants must hold an active out-of-state broker equivalent license and complete the 30-hour Broker Endorsement course.
• “Salesperson” or “Agent” licenses in many states are equivalent to the Illinois Broker. 

2. Managing Broker License

• A step above Broker—it allows you to sponsor other agents, open offices, and supervise licensees.
• Eligibility via endorsement: Applicants must have two years of active licensure in the past three years, an active out-of-state managing broker equivalent license, and completion of a 30-hour Managing Broker Endorsement course.
• “Broker” license in some states allows sponsorship and supervision and is equivalent to the Illinois Managing Broker. 

How to Get a Broker License in Illinois by Endorsement

Step 1: Hold an Out-of-State Broker License

You must currently hold an active broker or equivalent license in another state. 

Step 2: Take the 30-Hour Broker Endorsement Course

Course curriculum includes 30 hours of Illinois-specific laws, rules, disclosures, licensing structure, commission, managing funds, agency, continuing education, and more. View our state-approved Broker Endorsement Course!

Step 3: Pass the Illinois-Specific Broker Exam Section

After the course, you need to pass the Illinois portion of the broker exam (approximately 40 multiple-choice questions). No need to retake national or general content parts. 

Step 4: Submit Application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Provide:

• Proof of active out-of-state license
• Certificate of completion (30-hour course)
• Exam passing score
• Sponsoring Broker information
• Application fee 

Step 5: License Issuance

Upon approval, you will receive your Illinois Broker license via endorsement. 

How to Get a Managing Broker License in Illinois by Endorsement

Step 1: Hold an Active Out-of-State Managing Broker License

You must have a current managing broker or equivalent license in another state. 

Step 2: Have Two Years’ Experience

You must have been licensed as a broker for two of the last three years. 

Step 3: Take the 30-Hour Managing Broker Endorsement Course

Perry Real Estate College offers the 30-Hour Managing Broker Endorsement Course completely online and self-paced!  It includes topics like supervision, record-keeping, fund handling, legal issues, and sponsoring licensees. 

Step 4: Pass the Illinois-Specific Managing Broker Exam Section

Only requires Illinois-specific portion, no need for national law questions. 

Step 5: Submit Endorsement Application

Include:

• Proof of active out-of-state managing broker license
• Proof of two years’ broker experience
• Certificate from endorsement course
• Passing exam score
• Sponsorship information or proof of intent to self-sponsor
• Fee 

Step 6: Receive Managing Broker License

Upon approval, you will be licensed to act as a self-sponsoring Illinois managing broker. 

Broker vs. Managing Broker: Endorsement Requirements Compared 

Broker

• Age 18+, high school diploma, 30-hour course, exam
• Works under a sponsoring managing broker
• Illinois-specific broker exam
• Course covers licensing, laws, agency, disclosures
• Equivalent to Salesperson or Associate Broker in other states 

Managing Broker

• Age 20+, high school diploma, two years broker experience, 30-hour course, exam
• Can sponsor others, open or manage office(s)
• Illinois-specific managing broker exam
• Includes supervision, record-keeping, sponsorship
• Equivalent to Broker or Principal in other states 

Why Illinois Switched to the Endorsement Process

1. Uniform Process

One standardized path for all out-of-state licensees. No need for bilateral reciprocity. 

2. Illinois-Focused Content

Saves time and money by skipping national exam sections and learning only Illinois-specific laws. 

3. Faster Licensing

Eliminates the need for full 75-hour pre-license courses; endorsement is more streamlined. 

4. Future-Proof

Since reciprocity will be unavailable after January 1, 2026, endorsement ensures eligibility regardless of original license jurisdiction. 

Endorsement Timeline and Final Takeaways

• January 1, 2025: Endorsement courses accepted; Reciprocal agreements are still valid. 

• January 1, 2026: Reciprocity applications phased out entirely. 

If you are a licensed real estate agent or broker from another state:

• Act now. If you want to use reciprocity, submit your Illinois application before January 1, 2026.
• Otherwise, plan for the endorsement path: complete the 30-hour course, study Illinois-specific laws, pass the state portion of the Illinois licensing exam, and prepare your application materials.
• For managing broker applicants, ensure you have the required experience and active out-of-state managing broker license before you begin the process.
• For broker endorsement applicants, you are still required to complete the Illinois broker post-license education.  

Endorsement offers a modern, flexible, and precise route to Illinois licensure—centered solely on state-specific knowledge and competency. Whether as a broker or managing broker, staying ahead of these changes will help you transition smoothly and legally into Illinois real estate.