Section 1450.420  Broker Examination

a)         Each applicant for a broker license shall submit an application for examination as determined by the Division or its designated testing service, including:

1)         Certification that the applicant is at least 18 years of age;

2)         Successful completion of high school or equivalency required under Section 5-27 of the Act;

3)         The required fee set forth in Section 1450.130; and

4)         Proof of one of the following:

A)        Currently admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois; or

B)        Completion of 75 hours of instruction in real estate courses recommended by the Board and approved by the Division (see Section 1450.1105).

b)         If a person fails the examination four consecutive times, the person must repeat the pre-license education requirement set forth in Section 5-27(a)(5) of the Act prior to taking the examination again, in addition to the other requirements enumerated generally in Section 5-27 and must complete a new application for examination.

c)         As set forth in Section 5-35 of the Act, the 2- year time period after the completion of pre-license education during which that education will be accepted applies to approved pre-license education.

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

Section 1450.430  Application for Broker License by Examination

a)         Each applicant for a broker license shall submit to the Division:

1)         A signed and completed application in a format provided by the Division;

2)         The required fee set forth in Section 1450.130;

3)         Proof of successful completion of the examination authorized by the Division;

4)         Proof of sponsorship if the applicant is seeking an active license (see Section 1450.110); and

5)         A transcript, if applicable.

b)         An applicant shall have one year from the date of receipt of a passing examination score to submit an application to the Division and to meet the requirements for licensure.

c)         If an applicant for a broker license currently holds a residential leasing agent license, the residential leasing agent license must be in good standing.

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

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)

Section 1450.450  Broker Continuing Education

a)         Continuing Education Hour Requirements

1)         As set forth in Section 5-70 of the Act, each broker, except as otherwise provided in Section 5-70(b), is required to complete 12 CE hours during the current term of the license. The total of 12 CE hours of courses approved by the Division may be taken at any time during the current term of the license.

2)         As set forth in Section 5-50(b) of the Act, brokers receiving their initial broker license are required to complete the 45-hour post-license education during their first license term and are not required to complete any other CE during that license term.  If an individual receives the initial broker license within 180 days preceding the first broker renewal deadline, the broker must complete the 45-hour post-license education prior to the second broker renewal deadline.

3)         Brokers licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in other states shall comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section, unless they are exempt (see Section 5-70(b) of the Act).

4)         The Division shall conduct audits to verify compliance with this Section.

b)         Approved Continuing Education

1)         CE credit may be earned for verified attendance at, participation in, or completion of a licensed course offered by a licensed education provider (see Sections 1450.1100 and 1450.1105).

2)         CE credit may be earned by passing a proctored exam for a correspondence or home study course offered and verified by a licensed Education Provider (see Section 1450.1155).

3)         As set forth in Section 5-70 of the Act, CE credit shall be obtained through completion of a single core curriculum and an elective curriculum recommended by the Board and approved by the Division. CE requirements shall be deemed satisfied upon the successful completion of the following:

A)        Core Curriculum. A minimum of 6 CE credit hours per two year license term in a core curriculum course recommended by the Board and approved by the Division, which must include at least 2 credit hours of fair housing training.  Pursuant to Section 5-70, the core curriculum may also cover subjects including, but not limited to, advertising, agency, agency disclosures, property disclosures, residential leasing agent management, escrow, fair housing, and license law.

B)        Elective Curriculum. No fewer than 6 CE credit hours per 2-year license term in elective curriculum courses approved by the Division, which may cover subjects including, but not limited to, license law, escrow, antitrust, fair housing, agency, appraisal, property management, residential brokerage, farm property management, transaction management rights and duties of parties in a transaction, commercial brokerage and leasing, real estate financing, disclosures, residential leasing agent management, advertising, broker supervision and designated managing broker responsibility, professional conduct, diversity equity and inclusion, use of technology, and any training required by law (e.g., sexual harassment prevention training (see 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.5)) may be credited toward elective hours.

4)         As set forth in Section 5-70(g) of the Act, CE credit may be earned by a licensed pre-license or CE instructor for teaching a licensed CE course. Credit for teaching a licensed CE course may only be earned once for that course during a license term. One hour of instruction is equal to one CE hour.

5)         As set forth in Section 5-75 of the Act, if licensees earn CE credit hours in another state or territory for which they will claim credit toward compliance in Illinois, the licensee shall submit an application and a $50 fee, within 90 days after completion of the CE course and prior to expiration of the license. The Division will review and may approve the course if the education provider, course, and delivery method of assessing participation and comprehension are substantially equivalent to those licensed in Illinois. In determining whether the education provider and course are substantially equivalent, the Division will use the criteria in Sections 5-70 through 5-80 of the Act and this Section.

6)         CE credit will only be given for CE courses offered by education providers licensed by the Division.

7)         Pursuant to Section 5-70(j) of the Act, no more than 12 hours of CE credit may be taken in one calendar day.  If a proctored final exam is required for a licensee to receive credit for the CE course or courses, the exam may be given either at the end of each individual course or group of courses.

8)         CE credit shall not be given for pre-license and post-license education courses, except as set forth in Section 5-70(1) of the Act.

c)         Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

1)         Each licensee shall certify, on the renewal application, full compliance with the CE requirements set forth in subsections (a) and (b).

2)         The Division may, for purposes of compliance audits, require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with the CE requirements.  Each licensee shall retain proof of CE completed.

3)         For purposes of a compliance audit, the Division shall accept verification submitted directly from a licensed education provider on behalf of a licensee as proof of CE compliance.

4)         Failure to comply with CE requirements is a violation of the Act and may subject a licensee to a citation or other discipline set forth in the Act or this Part.

d)         The Division shall conduct audits to verify compliance with this Section (see Section 1450.960). 

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

Section 1450.460  Application for Broker License by Endorsement

a)         Each applicant for an Illinois broker license by endorsement shall submit to the Division:

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

2)         The required fee as set forth in Section 1450.130;

3)         An official statement from the licensing authority of each state or jurisdiction in which the broker is licensed certifying:

A)        That the broker has an active license;

B)        That the broker is in good standing; and

C)        Any history of discipline against the broker in that state or jurisdiction of licensure;

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

5)         Proof of successful completion of a 30-hour pre-license endorsement course recommended by the Board and approved by the Division in accordance with Section 5-60.5(b)(4) of the Act;

6)         Proof of sponsorship if the applicant is seeking an active license;

7)         The applicant's written designation appointing the Secretary to act as the broker's agent upon whom all judicial and other process or legal notices directed to the broker may be served in accordance with Sections 5-60.5(d) and (f) of the Act; and

8)         A written attestation by the applicant in accordance with Section 5-60.5(c) of the Act that, upon licensure, the applicant will abide by all provisions of the Act with respect to their real estate activities within the State of Illinois and submit to the jurisdiction of the Department.  [225 ILCS 454/5-60.5]

b)         If the broker has been actively practicing as a broker or its license equivalent in any other state or jurisdiction for less than 2 years immediately prior to the date of application, the broker must complete the 45 hours of post-license education by the first renewal pursuant to the Act and Section 1450.410.  [225 ILCS 454/5-60.5]

c)         After review by the Division for compliance with the Act and the Department of Professional Regulation Law [20 ILCS 2105], the Division will issue an Illinois broker license.

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

Section 1450.500  Managing Broker Pre-License Education Requirements

An applicant for a managing broker license must have completed a total of 165 credit hours of instruction as set forth in Section 1450.1105.  The 45-hour managing broker pre-license education shall be valid for 2 years after satisfactory completion.

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

Section 1450.510  Managing Broker Examination

a)         Each applicant for a managing broker license shall submit an application for examination on Illinois-specific brokerage laws as determined by the Division or its designated testing service, including:

1)         Certification that the applicant is at least 20 years of age;

2)         Successful completion of high school or equivalency required under Section 5-28 of the Act;

3)         The fee required by Section 1450.130; and

4)         Proof of one of the following:

A)        Currently admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of Illinois; or

B)        Completion of a total of 165 credit hours of instruction in real estate courses approved by the Division.

b)         If a person fails the examination four consecutive times, the person must repeat the pre-license education requirement set forth in Section 5-28 of the Act prior to taking the examination again and must complete a new application for examination.

c)         As set forth in Section 5-35 of the Act, the 2-year time period after the completion of pre-license education during which that education will be accepted applies to approved pre-license education.

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

Section 1450.520  Application for Managing Broker License by Examination

a)         Each applicant for a managing broker license shall submit to the Division:

1)         A signed and completed application in a format provided by the Division;

2)         The required fee set forth in Section 1450.130;

3)         Proof of successful completion of the written examination on Illinois-specific brokerage laws authorized by the Division;

4)         Proof of sponsorship or self-sponsorship if the applicant is seeking an active license (see Section 1450.110);

5)         A transcript, if applicable; 

6)         If the applicant will be a self-sponsored managing broker, a completed consent to examine and audit special accounts form;

7)         A certification that the applicant has been actively licensed and in good standing as a broker for 2 consecutive years out of the last 3 years; and

8)         Any other documentation prescribed by the Division.

b)         An applicant shall have one year from the date of receipt of a passing examination score to submit an application with the Division and to meet all of the requirements for licensure.

c)         A self-sponsored managing broker shall comply with all the office requirements set forth in Section 1450.610.

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

Section 1450.530  Application for Managing Broker License by Reciprocity

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

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

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

3)         The managing broker maintains a physical or virtual place of business, as permitted by law, in the managing broker's state of licensure and has been actively engaging in licensed activities as a managing broker or broker during the immediately preceding 2 years; and

4)         The managing 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 managing broker license in that state;

ii)         that the license is in good standing; and

iii)        any disciplinary action taken against the managing broker.

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

E)        If the managing 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 managing 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 managing broker's licensed activities within and relating to the State of Illinois; and

iii)        assents to jurisdiction of the Department; and

F)         If the managing broker is not self-sponsored, then 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.

d)         No applications for licensure as a managing 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 managing broker license in the Act and this Part.

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

Section 1450.540  Managing Broker Continuing Education

a)         Continuing Education Hour Requirements

1)         As set forth in Section 5-70 of the Act, each managing broker, except as otherwise provided in Section 5-70(b), is required to complete 12 CE hours during the current term of the license.  The total of 12 CE hours of courses approved by the Division may be taken at any time during the current term of the license.

2)         In addition to the CE required in subsection (a)(1), all renewing managing brokers must complete a 12-hour broker management CE course, the content of which shall be recommended by the Board and approved by the Division. This 12-hour broker management CE course must be completed in the classroom, by interactive webinar, or by online distance education format. In order to promote uniformity and consistency, the Division, following the recommendation of the Board, may provide a standardized curriculum to be utilized by all licensed education providers.

3)         Pursuant to Section 5-70(l) of the Act, a managing broker renewing their license for the first time may use the 45-hour managing broker pre-license brokerage administration and management course to satisfy the 12-hour broker management CE requirement.

4)         If the current term of the managing broker license ends within the 90 days after the initial managing broker license is issued, a licensee is not required to complete CE for that managing broker license term but shall complete all CE requirements before the next managing broker renewal deadline.

5)         Managing brokers licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in other states shall comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section, unless they are exempt under Section 5-70(b) of the Act.

6)         The Division shall conduct audits to verify compliance with this Section.

b)         Approved Continuing Education

1)         CE credit may be earned for verified attendance at, participation in, or completion of a licensed course offered by a licensed education provider that is approved pursuant to Sections 1450.1100 and 1450.1105.

2)         CE credit, except broker management excluded pursuant to Section 5-70(b) of the Act, may be earned by passing a proctored exam for a correspondence or home study course offered and verified by a licensed education provider (see Section 1450.1155).

3)         As set forth in Section 5-70 of the Act, CE credit shall be obtained through completion of a single core curriculum, an elective curriculum, and a 12-hour broker management CE curriculum recommended by the Board and approved by the Division. CE requirements shall be deemed satisfied upon successful completion of the following:

A)        Core Curriculum. A minimum of 6 CE credit hours per license term in a core curriculum course recommended by the Board and approved by the Division, which must include at least 2 credit hours of fair housing training.  Pursuant to Section 5-70, the core curriculum may also cover subjects including but not limited to advertising, agency, agency disclosures, property disclosures, escrow, fair housing, residential leasing agent management, and license law.

B)        Elective Curriculum. No fewer than 6 CE credit hours per license term in elective curriculum courses approved by the Division, which may cover subjects including but not limited to license law, escrow, antitrust, fair housing, agency, appraisal, property management, residential brokerage, farm property management, transaction management rights and duties of parties in a transaction, commercial brokerage and leasing, real estate financing, disclosures, residential leasing agent management, advertising, broker supervision and designated managing broker responsibility, professional conduct, use of technology, diversity equity and inclusion, and any training required by law (e.g., sexual harassment prevention training (see 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.5)) may be credited toward elective hours.

C)        The 12-hour broker management CE course.

4)           As set forth in Section 5-70(g) of the Act, CE credit may be earned by a licensed instructor for teaching a licensed CE course. Credit for teaching a licensed CE course may only be earned once for that course during a license term. One hour of instruction is equal to one CE hour.

5)           As set forth in Section 5-75 of the Act, if licensees earn CE credit hours in another state or territory for which they will claim credit toward compliance in Illinois, the licensee shall submit an application and a $50 fee within 90 days after completing the CE course and prior to expiration of the license. The Division shall review and approve the CE course if the education provider, CE course, and delivery method of assessing participation and comprehension are substantially equivalent to those licensed in Illinois. In determining whether the education provider and CE course are substantially equivalent, the Division shall use the criteria in Sections 5-70 through 5-80 of the Act and this Section.

6)           CE credit shall only be given for CE courses offered by education providers licensed by the Division.

7)           Pursuant to Section 5-70(j) of the Act, no more than 12 hours of CE credit may be taken in one calendar day.  If a proctored final exam is required for a licensee to receive credit for the CE course or courses, the exam may be given either at the end of each individual course or group of courses.

8)           CE credit shall not be given for pre-license and post-license education courses, except as set forth in Section 5-70(1) of the Act.

c)         Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

1)         Each licensee shall certify on the renewal application full compliance with the CE requirements set forth in subsections (a) and (b).

2)         The Division may, for purposes of compliance audits, require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with the CE requirements.  Each licensee shall retain proof of CE completed.

3)         For purposes of a compliance audit, the Division shall accept verification submitted directly from a licensed education provider on behalf of a licensee as proof of CE compliance.

4)         Failure to comply with CE requirements is a violation of the Act and may subject a licensee to a citation or other discipline as set forth in the Act or this Part.

d)         The Division shall conduct audits to verify compliance with this Section (see Section 1450.960). 

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

Section 1450.550  Managing Broker License Transfer to Broker License

a)         An individual licensee holding an active managing broker license may exchange the managing broker license for a broker license if the managing broker license is eligible for renewal. Upon issuance of the broker license, the licensee shall be subject to all CE requirements (see Section 1450.450).

b)         To transfer a managing broker license to a broker license an applicant shall submit to the Division:

1)         A signed and completed application in a format provided by the Division; and

2)         The required fee set forth in Section 1450.130(b)(5).

c)         Upon the transfer of a managing broker license to a broker license, the managing broker license shall be cancelled. Any prior discipline will be reflected in the new broker license record.

d)         To obtain a managing broker license after transferring to a broker license, a transferee shall meet the requirements of a new applicant for a managing broker license as set forth in the Act and this Part.

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

Section 1450.560  Managing Broker Self-Sponsorship

a)         A self-sponsored managing broker may sponsor licensees if the self-sponsored managing broker meets all the requirements for a sponsoring broker.

b)         A sole proprietor must be licensed as a real estate managing broker.

c)         Temporary Practice

1)         Within 15 days after the death or disability of a self-sponsored managing broker, a written request for authorization allowing the continued operation of the office may be submitted to the Division.

2)         The Division will issue written authorization allowing the continued operation provided that:

A)        A licensed managing broker assumes responsibility in writing and agrees to supervise the operation of the office; or

B)        In the case of the death or disability of a self-sponsored managing broker, an authorized representative of the estate assumes responsibility in writing and agrees to supervise the operation of the office.

3)         Written authorization under subsection (c)(2) shall be valid for no more than 60 days unless extended by the Division for good cause shown and upon written request by the broker or authorized representative.

4)         The Division will honor the order of a court of competent jurisdiction or any other legal documentation appointing a representative of the estate for the sole purpose of closing out the affairs of a self-sponsored managing broker who is deceased or disable, but not for the purpose of actively engaging in licensed activities.

5)         This subsection (c) applies to a self-sponsored managing broker licensee who sponsors other licensees.

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

Section 1450.570  Application for Managing Broker License by Endorsement

a)         Each applicant for an Illinois managing broker license by endorsement shall submit to the Division:

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

2)         The required fee as set forth in Section 1450.130;

3)         An official statement from the licensing authority of each state or jurisdiction in which the managing broker is licensed certifying:

A)        That the managing broker has an active license;

B)        That the managing broker is in good standing;

C)        Any history of discipline against the managing broker in that state or jurisdiction of licensure; and

D)        No less than 2 years of active practice immediately preceding the date of application.

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

5)         Proof of successful completion of a 30-hour pre-license endorsement course recommended by the Board and approved by the Division in accordance with Section 5-60.5(a)(5) of the Act;

6)         The applicant's written designation appointing the Secretary to act as the broker's agent upon whom all judicial and other process or legal notices directed to the broker may be served in accordance with Sections 5-60.5(d) and (f) of the Act; and

7)         A written attestation by the applicant in accordance with Section 5-60.5(c) of the Act that, upon licensure, the applicant will abide by all provisions of the Act with respect to their real estate activities within the State of Illinois and submit to the jurisdiction of the Department.  [225 ILCS 454/5-60.5]

b)         After review by the Division for compliance with the Act and the Department of Professional Regulation Law [20 ILCS 2105], the Division will issue an Illinois managing broker license.

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

Section 1450.600  Application for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships Licenses

a)         Each applicant for a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership license shall submit:

1)         A signed and completed application in a format provided by the Division;

2)         The required fee set forth in Section 1450.130;

3)         A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);

4)         Consent for the Division to examine and audit special accounts;

5)         The name and license number of the designated managing broker;

6)         If an assumed name will be used, a copy of the certificate authorizing it to do business, as set forth in the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405];

7)         Proof of ownership that may, from time to time, be required by the Division; and

8)         Physical or virtual address of principal place of business in Illinois.

b)         All requirements for a licensee to engage in licensed activities as a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership shall be met within one year after the date of original application or the application shall be denied, and the fee forfeited. Thereafter, to be considered for licensure, the applicant shall submit a new application with the required fee.

c)         Corporations, in addition to the items listed in subsection (a), shall submit the following:

1)         A signed and completed application containing the name of the corporation, the address of its principal place of business, a list of all officers' names, and the license number for each officer who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois;

2)         A copy of the Articles of Incorporation bearing the seal of the office, in the jurisdiction in which the corporation is organized, whose duty it is to register corporations under the laws of that jurisdiction. In addition, a foreign corporation must submit a copy of the certificate of authority to transact business in this State filed with the SOS;

3)         All unlicensed officers shall submit affidavits of non-participation in a format provided by the Division;

4)         A list of all shareholders, the number of shares of the corporation owned by each shareholder and the license number for each shareholder who is a licensee in Illinois; and

5)         No corporation shall be granted a license if any non-participating owner or officer is currently barred from real estate practice because of a suspended or revoked license.

d)         Limited liability companies, in addition to the items listed in subsection (a), shall submit the following:

1)         A signed and completed application containing the name of the limited liability company and the address of its principal place of business; and

A)        If member-managed, a list of all members' names and the license number for each member who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois; or

B)        If manager-managed, a list of all managers' names and the license number for each manager who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois;

2)         If a member or manager is an entity, the applicant shall provide a list of all members' or managers' names and the license number for each owner, officer, manager, member, or partner of the entity who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois;

3)         A copy of the Articles of Organization filed with the SOS.  In addition, a foreign limited liability company must submit a copy of the application for admission to transact business filed with the SOS;

4)         All unlicensed members, including a member entity's owner, officer, member, or partner, shall submit affidavits of non-participation in a format provided by the Division; and

5)         No limited liability company shall be granted a license if any non-participating member or manager is currently barred from real estate practice because of a suspended or revoked license.

e)         Partnerships, in addition to the items listed in subsection (a), shall submit the following:

1)         A signed and completed application containing the name of the partnership, the address of its principal place of business, a list of all general partners' names, and the license number for each general partner who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois;

2)         An affidavit stating that the partnership has been legally formed;

3)         If a sponsoring broker, acting as a partnership, operates under any name other than that appearing on the sponsoring broker's license, the sponsoring broker shall submit to the Division a copy of the filing or certificate authorizing it to do business under an assumed name from the SOS and a certified copy of the sponsoring broker's registration under the Assumed Business Name Act [805 ILCS 405]. The assumed business name registration shall be obtained in each county in which the assumed business name is used;

4)         All unlicensed partners shall submit affidavits of non-participation in a format provided by the Division; and

5)         No partnership shall be granted a license if any non-participating partner is currently barred from real estate practice because of a suspended or revoked license.

f)         Limited partnerships or limited liability partnerships, in addition to the items listed in subsection (a), shall submit the following:

1)         A signed and completed application containing the name of the limited partnership or limited liability partnership, the address of its principal place of business, a list of all partners' names, and the license number for each partner who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois. If a partner is an entity, the applicant shall provide a list of all partners' names and the license number for each owner, officer, manager, member, or partner of the entity who is licensed as a broker or managing broker in Illinois;

2)         A letter of authority from the SOS or, if it is a foreign limited partnership or foreign limited liability partnership, a copy of the application for admission endorsed by the SOS;

3)         All unlicensed partners shall submit affidavits of non-participation in a format provided by the Division; and

4)         No limited partnership or limited liability partnership shall be granted a license if any non-participating partner is currently barred from real estate practice because of a suspended or revoked license.

g)         After receipt and approval of the application, required fee and appropriate documentation, the Division shall issue a license to the corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership, or shall notify the applicant of the basis for denial.

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

Section 1450.610  Place of Business; Office and Virtual Office Requirements

A licensee's place of business shall be the physical office or virtual office of the licensee's sponsoring broker.

a)         Each sponsoring broker shall register all physical or virtual office locations with the Division in a format provided by the Division.

b)         Physical Offices

1)         An office is any fixed business location or physical structure that is owned, controlled, operated, or maintained by a licensee who, at that business location or structure, is:

A)        Engaging in licensed activities;

B)        Offering real estate services to consumers;

C)        Holding out to the public that the licensee is engaging in licensed activities;

D)        Maintaining original real estate documents and records related to active or pending transactions;

E)        Maintaining current escrow records;

F)         Maintaining any record related to special accounts; or

G)        Meeting consumers for the purpose of engaging in licensed activities.

2)         The following places do not constitute a physical or fixed office. These places are provided as examples and are not intended to be inclusive or exclusive of other places:

A)        A motor vehicle primarily used for transportation;

B)        A place that is solely devoted to advertising real estate matters of a general nature or to making a sponsoring broker's business name generally known (e.g., trade show, expo);

C)        A place that a licensee uses solely for storage or archiving of records;

D)        A licensee's residence, unless it is held out to the public as a location where the person is engaging in licensed activities and satisfies all other requirements for an office; or

E)        A post office box, mail drop location or other similar facility.

c)         Virtual Offices

1)         A virtual office is an office from which real estate brokerage services are provided, without a dedicated office space or fixed physical location, under the supervision of the designated managing broker, and that is owned, controlled, operated, or maintained by a licensee who is:

A)        Engaging in licensed activities;

B)        Offering real estate services to consumers;

C)        Holding out to the public that the licensee is engaging in licensed activities;

D)        Maintaining real estate documents and records related to active, pending and completed transactions, securely stored in the format in which they were originally created, sent, or received.  Documents originally created in physical form may be converted to an electronic format only if the content is not altered;

E)        Maintaining current escrow records that are securely stored in the format in which they were originally created, sent, or received;

F)         Maintaining any record related to special accounts, securely stored in the format in which they were originally created, sent, or received;

2)         A nonresident broker who is licensed in Illinois by examination or pursuant to the provisions of Section 5-60 or 5-60.6 of the Act may operate a virtual office in the State subject to all requirements of the Act and this Part.

3)         A virtual office shall have a digital infrastructure facilitating the transaction of business, communications, advertising, and real estate services through a virtual office website, URL, or other digital platform.  Through this website or digital platform, the general public is invited to transact business and it is utilized to conduct the communication, advertising, and real estate services related to that business.  The virtual website, URL or digital platform shall be registered in a format provided by the Division and shall:

A)        Display a current registry of all sponsored licensees and their corresponding license numbers registered with the Division as set forth in Section 1450.730;

B)        Display the city or geographic location and state where real estate brokerage services are offered;

C)        Display contact information for the designated managing broker, including name, license number, valid phone number and email address.  If the sponsoring broker has multiple designated managing brokers, display each designated managing broker's contact information and the name and license number of the licensees they supervise;

D)        Maintain a secure intranet or secure portal that is accessible by employees, independent contractors, licensees and, upon request, the Division.  The intranet or portal shall include the following:

i)          Electronic records, securely stored in the format they were originally created, sent, or received, and made accessible for inspection by the Division in a secure electronic format.  Documents originally created in physical form may be converted to an electronic format only if the content is not altered;

ii)         An updated registry of sponsored licensees, their designated managing brokers, identification of additional office locations registered with the Division, and the licensees associated with those offices; and

E)        Comply with all advertising requirements under Section 1450.715 and 1450.720.

4)         Service of Process.  For those licensees who maintain a virtual office, a valid physical address in Illinois for the sponsoring broker must be provided to the Department for service of process.  If licensees do not maintain a physical address in Illinois, an entity that is an applicant or licensee may utilize the same address provided to the SOS for its registered agent in Illinois.

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

Section 1450.700  Sponsoring Broker Responsibilities

a)         The sponsoring broker, other than a sole proprietor with no other sponsored licensees, shall establish a written company policy and remain ultimately responsible for compliance with Section 10-55 of the Act and Section 1450.705. The sponsoring broker shall name a designated managing broker who will be responsible for the oversight of every office. The designated managing broker shall have the authority to act on behalf of the sponsoring broker.

b)         A sponsoring broker may delegate to unlicensed personnel, including but not limited to accountants, office managers, or unlicensed assistants (see Section 1450.740), activities or duties not prohibited by the Act or this Part. Any licensee who supervises unlicensed personnel shall be responsible for the unlicensed person's actions, in accordance with Sections 1450.705(b) and 1450.740(d).

c)         The sponsoring broker shall inform the Division in writing of the name and license number of all designated managing brokers employed by the sponsoring broker and the offices each designated managing broker is responsible for managing.

d)         The sponsoring broker is ultimately responsible for maintaining a registry of sponsored licensees.  If the sponsoring broker maintains no physical office, the registry shall be included on a virtual office website or digital platform. 

e)         No fewer than 14 days prior to a sponsoring broker ceasing operations, the sponsoring broker shall provide written notice to all sponsored licensees to allow the sponsored licensees to secure new sponsoring brokers and shall provide written notice to all active clients to allow the clients to secure brokerage agreements with new sponsoring brokers.

f)         Any violation of the Act by any licensees employed by or associated with a sponsoring broker, or by any unlicensed assistant or other unlicensed employee of a sponsoring broker, shall not be cause for suspension or revocation of a sponsoring broker's license, unless a sponsoring broker had knowledge of a violation of the Act. A sponsoring broker's failure to provide an appropriate written company policy or failure to properly supervise shall be cause for discipline, including suspension or revocation, of the sponsoring broker's license.

g)         All provisions of this Section shall apply to self-sponsored managing broker licensees.

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 2851, effective February 23, 2021)