Section 1450.440  Application for Broker License by Reciprocity

a)         Until December 31, 2025, an Illinois broker license shall be issued by reciprocity to a broker under the following conditions:

1)         The broker holds an active broker license, or its equivalent, by examination in a state with a reciprocal agreement with the Department;

2)         The broker licensing standards of that state are substantially equivalent to or greater than the minimum standards in Illinois;

3)         The broker maintains a physical or virtual place of business, as permitted by law, in the broker's state of licensure; and

4)         The broker submits:

A)        An application, in a format provided by the Division;

B)        The required fee set forth in Section 1450.130;

C)        A certification, or a statement bearing the seal of the licensing authority, from each state of licensure, evidencing:

i)          An active broker license in that state;

ii)         That the license is in good standing; and

iii)        Any disciplinary action taken against the broker;

D)        Proof of passing an examination approved by the Division on Illinois specific real estate laws;

E)        If the broker does not maintain a definite place of business within the State of Illinois, a written statement that:

i)          appoints the Secretary to act as the broker's agent upon whom all judicial and other process may be served;

ii)         acknowledges and agrees to abide by all of the provisions of the Act and this Part with respect to all of the broker's licensed activities within and relating to the State of Illinois; and

iii)        assents to jurisdiction of the Department; and

F)         Proof of sponsorship if the applicant is seeking an active license.

b)         Any licensee who renews a license issued under a reciprocal agreement assents to jurisdiction of the Department without regard to the location of the licensee's domicile or principal place of business or office locations.

c)         All requirements for licensure by reciprocity shall be met within one year after the date of original application, but no later than December 31, 2025, or the application shall be denied and the fee forfeited; and

d)         No application for licensure as a broker pursuant to a reciprocal agreement and this Section shall be submitted or granted on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of whether the application is new or if it seeks reconsideration of a prior application.  Licenses granted under reciprocal agreements prior to January 1, 2026, shall remain in force and may be renewed in the same manner as provided for a broker license in the Act and this Part.

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 9512, effective July 7, 2025)