How to become an insurance agent in Illinois
Illinois insurance agents are licensed by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed insurance agent in Illinois, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become an insurance agent in Illinois?
- Illinois resident
- Complete pre-licensing education for each line
- Pass the General and State exams for each line
- Answer the application background questions (see Company Bulletin #2022-14)
Illinois insurance agent license requirements
| State license | Yes. Illinois requires a resident insurance producer license from the Department of Insurance to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance. |
|---|---|
| Licensed by | Illinois Department of Insurance |
| License name | Resident Producer (Illinois Insurance Agent) with lines of authority such as Life, Accident/Health, Property, Casualty, Personal Lines |
| Education or training | 20 hours of pre-licensing education per line of authority, of which 7.5 hours must be in a classroom setting (Motor Vehicle: 12.5 hours, 5 in classroom). |
| Exam | Pearson VUE: for each line you must pass a separate General exam and State exam within 90 days of each other, at a test center or online (OnVUE). |
| Insurance or bond | A producer who places business with an insurer they have no agent contract with must keep a surety bond of $2,500 or 5% of premiums brokered the previous year, whichever is greater, up to $50,000. |
| License term | 2 years, expiring the last day of your birth month (first-license fee prorated). |
| Continuing education | 24 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of classroom or webinar ethics; must be complete at least 10 business days before renewal. |
How much does it cost?
| Resident producer license (2 years) | $215.00 |
|---|---|
| Pearson VUE exam, each General or State exam ($92 discount when both exams for one line are on the same order) | $92 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become an insurance agent in Illinois
- Complete 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education per line (7.5 in classroom)
- Register with Pearson VUE for the General and State exam for each line
- Bring proof of course completion and pass both exams within 90 days of each other
- Wait 5 days after passing
- Apply online through NIPR (Illinois requires online applications)
- Renew every 2 years with 24 CE hours
Apply on the official Illinois site
How do you check an insurance agent's license in Illinois?
- Search the name or license number on the official Illinois insurance agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.