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Division of Insurance

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License Information

Q. How can I verify my license status?
A.

You can access your licensing record by using the Producer Licensing Record.

Q. How do I obtain a certification/clearance letter?
A.

You may request a certification or clearance letter by writing to the Producer Licensing Unit, Illinois Division of Insurance, 320 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62767-0001. You may also use a Certification/Clearance Request Form. Your request must include: a $10.00 fee per letter, the producer's name, social security number, and return address. If the request is for a clearance letter, a written signature is also required.

Q. How do I change my address?
A.

Illinois law requires you to notify the Division of Insurance within 30 days of a change of residential address. You may change your address on-line by using the Producer License/Business Entity Address Change or by writing to the Producer Licensing Unit, Illinois Division of Insurance, 320 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62767-0001.

Q. What are the fees for licensing?
A.

Licensing fees are listed in the Fee Schedule.

Q. How will I know when it's time to renew my license?
A.

The license expiration date is shown on the front of the license. The Illinois Division of Insurance mails renewal notices approximately 45 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a renewal notice, contact the Licensing Unit at (217) 782-6366.

Q. How do I notify the Division of a name change?
A.

To change the name on your license, send documentation showing your new name (i.e. marriage certificate or divorce decree) and a signed statement to the Illinois Division of Insurance, Producer Licensing Unit, 320 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62767-0001. A corrected license will be issued.

Q. What is the term of a license?
A.

A license is valid for two (2) years from the date it is issued.

Q. Can a non-resident corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or limited liability company receive a license?
A.

Yes. However, each licensed business entity must designate an authorized member who is an officer or director of the business entity. The authorized member must hold an Illinois license. For more information, see How to Become a Non-Resident Licensed Producer or Registered Business Entity.

Q. How does a producer moving from another state into Illinois become licensed?
A.

An individual who applies for an Illinois insurance producer license and was previously licensed for the same lines of authority in his or her home state, shall not be required to complete any pre-licensing education or examination. However, this exemption is only available if an application is received within 90 days after the cancellation of the applicant's previous license, and if the prior state issues a Letter of Clearance showing the applicant was in good standing in their home state at the time of cancellation. For more information, see Producers Moving to Illinois.

Q. Can I reinstate a cancelled license?
A.

Resident Producers

Yes. You have one year to reinstate your license. There is a licensing fee of $180 plus a penalty fee of $180 for a total of $360. Your new license will have a new original effective date. If you do not reinstate your license within the year, you will lose your lines of authority and be required to complete pre-licensing and re-test.

Non-Resident Producers

Yes. You have one year to reinstate your license. There is a licensing fee of $250 plus a penalty fee of $250 for a total of $500. Your new license will have a new original effective date. After one year you apply as a new applicant.

Q. Is a surety bond required?
A.

Yes. If you do not have a direct contract with the insurer you are required to maintain a bond in the amount of $2,500 or 5% of the premiums brokered in the previous calendar year, whichever is greater, but not to exceed $50,000 total aggregate liability.

 
Pre-licensing and Continuing Education
 
Q. Are there any requirements to sell long-term care insurance?
A.

Yes. Prior to being allowed to sell traditional long-term care (TLTC) and long-term care partnership (LTCP) insurance, non-resident and resident licensees must complete six (6) hours of education credit with an Illinois approved provider. Long-term care credit may be used towards the thirty (30) hours of continuing education required for resident producers as long as the course has been filed with the Division.

Q. Can I repeat a continuing education course within three years?
A.

No. Education credit will not be given to a producer for a repeated course unless three (3) years have passed since the credit was last given for the course.

Q. May I carry over continuing education hours?
A.

Yes. You may accumulate a maximum of 45 credit hours. Education credit hours will be applied in the order the Division receives them.

Q. My license cancelled because I failed to complete 30 hours of continuing education. What do I need to do to reinstate my license?
A.

You have a year from your expiration date to complete the thirty (30) hour continuing education requirement. You are also required to submit an Insurance Producer Application/Reinstatement Form and $360 fee ($180 licensing fee and $180 penalty fee) at which time you will be issued a current dated license. If you fail to reinstate within a year of your license expiration date, you will be required to complete pre-licensing and re-test.

Q. How can I obtain a list of approved education providers?
A.

Approved providers are listed in Pre-licensing and Continuing Education Providers.

Q. How can I check to see if the Division has recorded my education?
A.

Your Producer Licensing Record lists the courses you have completed and the cumulative number of hours on file. It is your responsibility to maintain your education records for each course.


Contact Us

Producers may contact the Illinois Division of Insurance with questions at:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Division of Insurance
Producer Licensing Unit
320 West Washington Street
Springfield, IL 62767
(217) 782-6366