This article covers all the steps you’ll need to follow to keep your insurance license active in Illinois. We’re confident that our straightforward two-step process can help you renew your license quickly and without fuss.
Every two years you need to renew your insurance license. This must be done within 90 days prior to the license expiration date. The license expiration date is every other year on the last day of your birth month. If you are not certain, you can find your license expiration date and other license information at the NAIC Illinois License Manager.
Now that you know your license expiration date and year, there are only two steps required to keep your Illinois insurance license active:
- Complete the required continuing education.
- Submit your renewal application prior to expiration.
Step #1: Complete the Required Continuing Education
The Illinois Department of Insurance requires that all resident, major lines licensed agents complete 24 credit hours of state-approved continuing education, every two years. “Major lines licensed”, are those agents who are licensed to sell one or more of the 5 major lines of coverage: Property, Casualty, Life, Health, or Personal Lines coverages. Of the 24 credits required, at least 3 credits must be approved for ethics and must be taken in a classroom or by live webinar. The ethics training requirement for Illinois is unique, so you may want to learn more about it in our article: Meeting Your Illinois Ethics Training Requirement.
Keep in mind that no matter how many licenses you hold, you only need to do a maximum of 24 credits total. For example, if you are licensed in Life, Property, and Casualty, you only need to do 24 credits total, 3 of which need to be in ethics (done in a classroom or webinar). There are some special training requirements for agents who sell long-term care, annuity products, or flood insurance. Agents who sell long-term care policies must complete an initial 8-hour long-term care course prior to selling any products, and then a 4-hour long-term care training every renewal period following. Agents selling annuity products need to complete a 4-hour annuity suitability course prior to selling.
Property and Casualty Agents who sell flood insurance must complete a one-time 3-hour continuing education course related to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) prior to selling.
Other than the ethics course and any special training requirements, you can take courses in any subject matter as long as they are approved by the Illinois Department of Insurance.
If you’ve been especially diligent in completing your continuing education to the point of taking over 24 hours, you can carry over excess hours, up to 12, to the next renewal period.
Step #2: Submit Your Renewal Application Prior to Expiration
After completing your CE requirements, the last step you need to take is to renew your Illinois insurance license. This must be done on or prior to your license expiration date but not more than 90 days in advance of your expiration date.
The Illinois Department of Insurance states that you must complete all your continuing education requirements at least 10 days prior to the license expiration date.
You can access your renewal application and file it online at NIPR Illinois License Renewal.
Now is the Time to Start Your Continuing Education
Even with a full two years to accumulate your 24 hours of continuing education, there’s no reason to wait to get started. We’ve got you covered with all the courses you need. You can find the complete listing in our Illinois Course Catalog.
The online training is self-paced and delivered to your computer, tablet, and smartphone. The quizzes and exams are scored instantly, and you can take them as many times as necessary to pass. Plus, you can return to the training whenever it is convenient. The course progress bar tells you exactly where you left off.
Our webinar courses are instructor-led and delivered live using video conferencing. You’re required to be in attendance for the entire class time, with check-ins at random times throughout the webinar to confirm your attendance. Students can interact and ask questions. The advantages of webinars include no required reading and no quizzes or final exams. You can view a listing of our webinars here: Illinois Webinar Catalog. You must take the required Ethics Training via webinar or classroom.
Completions Reported the Same Day
Note that our office will report your continuing education course credits to the Illinois Department of Insurance the same day you complete the training. So, if you’re in a rush to complete your continuing education, we’ve got you covered.
Summary of Steps to Keep Your Illinois Insurance License Active
Even though we’ve mapped it out above, it’s still a great deal to digest. Here’s a quick summary to get you started on the path to renewal.
- Determine your license expiration date.
- Determine your continuing education requirements.
- Enroll in courses well in advance of your expiration date.
- Complete your courses – we submit your credits the same day you complete them.
- Renew your license.
We’re confident that everything you need to keep your license active is easily accessible through our website. If not, simply call our office, and we’ll happily assist you.
There’s no time to be lost if you’re near your renewal date. Sign up now for the most trusted and convenient solution for keeping your license active.
What Are the Penalties if I Don’t Renew My Illinois Insurance on Time?
We’re Here to Help
At BetterCE, we provide more than the most convenient and affordable solution for insurance continuing education. Our agent support services are provided by experienced insurance licensing professionals who have helped thousands of agents easily navigate the insurance license renewal process.
Have a question or need assistance? Phone 1-888-501-7330 for our customer care team. We also respond to email as well as via our Contact Form. You can also sign up for convenient license renewal reminders on our contact page.
