Key Takeaways
- Illinois P&C insurance licenses are valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiration
- Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics
- Licenses not renewed within 1 year of expiration require retaking the state exam
- Address and name changes must be reported to DOI within 30 days
- DOI can discipline licensees including suspension, revocation, or fines
Last updated: January 2026
License Maintenance and Continuing Education
Illinois P&C insurance licenses require ongoing maintenance through continuing education and timely renewal.
License Terms and Renewal
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| License Term | 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $75 |
| Late Renewal | Additional late fee applies |
| Expired 1 Year+ | Must retake exam |
| Grace Period | 90 days with late fee |
Continuing Education Requirements
Illinois requires 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years:
CE Requirements
| Requirement | Hours |
|---|---|
| Total CE Hours | 30 |
| Ethics (required) | 3 |
| Electives | 27 |
| CE Period | 2 years (matches license term) |
Exam Tip: Illinois requires 30 hours of CE every 2 years including 3 hours of ethics. This is a key number to remember for the exam.
CE Course Requirements
- Must be completed at DOI-approved providers
- Online and classroom options available
- Cannot repeat same course within 2-year period
- CE must be completed BEFORE license expiration
- Completion reported electronically to DOI
First Renewal Requirement
For the first license renewal:
- Must complete full 30 hours CE
- Includes 3 hours ethics
- Must be completed before expiration date
Reporting Requirements
Illinois producers must notify DOI of changes within 30 days:
- Change of business address
- Change of residence address
- Change of name
- Administrative actions by other states
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Change in business entity structure
Disciplinary Actions
DOI can take disciplinary action against licensees for violations:
Types of Discipline
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Letter of Reprimand | Written warning |
| Probation | License continues with conditions |
| Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| Revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Fine | Monetary penalty |
| Restitution | Payment to harmed parties |
Common P&C Violations
- Misrepresentation of policy terms or coverage
- Twisting (replacing policies for commission)
- Rebating (offering unauthorized inducements)
- Unfair claims practices
- Commingling of funds
- Failure to maintain CE requirements
- Acting without proper license
License Status Types
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | License current and in good standing |
| Inactive | Not actively practicing |
| Expired | License term ended, not renewed |
| Suspended | Temporary disciplinary action |
| Revoked | License permanently cancelled |
Appointing Companies
P&C agents must be appointed by insurers to sell their products:
- Appointment Required: Before selling insurer's products
- Appointment Fee: Set by DOI
- Termination Reporting: Insurers must report terminations to DOI within 30 days
- For Cause Terminations: May trigger DOI investigation
Appointment Process
- Producer obtains license from DOI
- Insurer contracts with producer
- Insurer files appointment with DOI
- Producer can sell insurer's products
- Appointment renewed with license renewal
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of continuing education does Illinois require for P&C license renewal?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
How many hours of ethics CE does Illinois require per renewal period?
A
B
C
D