What happens when your Illinois producer license lapses and how to restore it
When your Illinois producer license expires and you do not renew it before the expiration date, the Department of Insurance moves it to inactive status. You cannot legally sell insurance in Illinois while your license is inactive. To return to active status, you must submit a reinstatement request to the Department of Insurance along with proof that you have completed the continuing education requirements for the period your license was inactive.
The reinstatement process is faster than obtaining a new license, but it is not automatic. The Department reviews your request, confirms your education hours, and either reinstates your license or denies the request if requirements are not met. Most reinstatements are processed within two to four weeks, though this varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and how quickly you submit complete paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete all continuing education hours that were due during the period your license was inactive before the Department will reinstate you.
- Submit your reinstatement request directly to the Illinois Department of Insurance, along with proof of completed education and the reinstatement fee.
- If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you may need to retake the licensing exam in addition to completing continuing education.
- Contact the Department of Insurance directly to confirm the exact documents and fees required for your situation, since requirements depend on how long your license has been expired.
Confirm how long your license has been inactive
The length of time your license has been inactive determines what you must do to reinstate it. If your license expired less than two years ago, you typically only need to complete the continuing education hours you missed and pay a reinstatement fee. If your license has been inactive for two years or longer, the Department may require you to retake the licensing exam in addition to the education hours.
Check the expiration date on your license or contact the Illinois Department of Insurance at 877-527-9842 to confirm the exact status. Have your producer license number ready when you call. The Department can tell you when ready whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement or whether additional steps are required.
Complete all required continuing education hours
Before you submit a reinstatement request, you must finish all continuing education that was due while your license was inactive. The number of hours depends on your license type and how long the license has been expired. For example, if your property and casualty license expired two years ago, you would owe four years of continuing education (two years at the time of expiration, plus two years of inactive status).
Take courses through an Illinois-approved provider. The Department maintains a list of approved education providers on its website. Courses must be completed before you submit your reinstatement request — the Department will not reinstate a license if education is still pending. Keep your course completion certificates; you will need to submit them with your reinstatement paperwork.
Gather your reinstatement documents and fee
Prepare the following items before you contact the Department of Insurance:
- Your completed reinstatement request form (available from the Department's website or by phone)
- Proof of completed continuing education (course completion certificates from approved providers)
- The reinstatement fee, which varies by license type and is set by the Department
- A copy of your expired license or your producer license number
Call the Department at 877-527-9842 to confirm the exact reinstatement fee for your license type and to ask whether any additional documents are required based on how long your license has been inactive. Some situations require additional paperwork, such as proof of a current background check or updated contact information.
Submit your reinstatement request to the Department
You can submit your reinstatement request by mail, email, or in person. The Department's website lists the current mailing address and email address for reinstatement requests. Include all required documents and the reinstatement fee with your submission. If you are mailing your request, send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
The Department will contact you if any documents are missing or incomplete. This can delay processing, so double-check that you have included everything before you submit. If you submit by email, ask for a read receipt so you know the Department received your request.
Track your reinstatement status and next steps
After you submit your request, the Department typically processes reinstatements within two to four weeks. You can contact the Department at 877-527-9842 to check on the status of your request. Have your producer license number ready.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive written confirmation from the Department. Your license will return to active status, and you can resume selling insurance in Illinois. If your request is denied, the Department will explain the reason in writing and tell you what steps you can take next, such as resubmitting with additional documentation or retaking the licensing exam.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
The most common reason for reinstatement denial is incomplete or missing continuing education. If this happens, complete the missing hours and resubmit your request with the new course completion certificates. The Department will review your second submission and reinstate your license if all requirements are now met.
If you are denied for another reason — such as a background issue or a disciplinary action — the Department's denial letter will explain the specific reason. Contact the Department to discuss your options. In some cases, you may need to address the underlying issue before reinstatement is possible, or you may need to file an appeal or request a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell insurance while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. Your license is inactive until the Department officially reinstates it. Selling insurance without an active license is illegal in Illinois and can result in fines and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation from the Department before you conduct any insurance business.
What if I cannot find my course completion certificates?
Contact the education provider directly and request copies of your completion certificates. Provide your name and the dates you took the courses. Most providers can reissue certificates within a few business days. If you took courses through multiple providers, you may need to contact each one separately.
Do I have to retake the licensing exam to reinstate my license?
Only if your license has been inactive for two years or longer. If your license expired less than two years ago, you only need to complete continuing education and pay the reinstatement fee. Call the Department to confirm whether the exam is required for your specific situation.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license?
The reinstatement fee varies by license type and is set by the Illinois Department of Insurance. Call 877-527-9842 to find out the exact fee for your license type. You must include the fee with your reinstatement request, or your request will not be processed.
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
If your license has been inactive for a very long time, reinstatement may not be possible. Contact the Department of Insurance directly to discuss your options. You may need to obtain a new license instead of reinstating the old one, which involves retaking the exam and paying the new license fee.