How long does it take to get a life insurance license in Illinois?

Plan on 1 to 4 weeks. Most candidates finish the 20-hour pre-licensing course in 1 to 2 weeks studying part-time, then schedule the Pearson VUE exam. Including fingerprinting and Illinois DOI application processing, total time from start to license issuance is typically 3 to 6 weeks.

How much does a Illinois life insurance license cost?

Budget about $450 all-in: pre-licensing or exam-prep course (~$100), the $92 state exam fee, the $215 Illinois license application fee, and roughly $50 for fingerprinting/background check. The Price Group reimburses qualifying course costs after your first sale.

Do I need to be a Illinois resident to get a Illinois life insurance license?

No. Illinois issues non-resident licenses to agents already licensed in good standing in their home state. The non-resident application is filed through NIPR with no additional Illinois pre-licensing required.

Which Illinois license should I get for selling final expense and term life?

The Illinois Life Producer (Life-Only) license is the minimum required to sell life insurance, including final expense and term/whole life. If you also want to sell Medicare Supplement or under-65 health, you can either take a combined Life & Health course up front or add the Health line later. TPG agents typically start Life-Only and add Health when they are ready.

How to Get Your Life Insurance License in Illinois

20 hours of pre-licensing, Pearson VUE exam, about $566 all-in. Here is the exact path.

Verified against the Illinois Department of Insurance on May 13, 2026.

Free Illinois Licensing Roadmap

A printable step-by-step PDF covering pre-licensing, fingerprinting, the Pearson VUE exam, and what to do the week your license arrives.

20 hrs

Pre-licensing hours

70%

Passing score

~$566

Total cost estimate

Typical timeline: 2 to 4 weeks

Path options: Life: 20 hours Health: 20 hours Life + Health: 40 hours

Already licensed in Illinois?

Skip the licensing details. See how Illinois agents are building remote insurance businesses with The Price Group.

How to sell insurance from home in Illinois

5 Steps to Get Licensed in Illinois

Follow this exact sequence to go from zero to fully appointed agent.

1
Complete pre-licensing education
Finish your state-approved pre-licensing course online. Most students complete it in under a week with focused study.
Start the JustInsurance Course
2
Schedule your Illinois state exam
Register through Pearson VUE, the testing partner for the Illinois Department of Insurance. Pick a testing center near you or, in most states, a remote-proctored slot.
Schedule with Pearson VUE Visit Illinois Department of Insurance
3
Pass the Illinois life insurance exam
Show up early, bring two valid IDs, and use the JustInsurance practice tests beforehand. Most students who follow the study plan pass on the first attempt.
Retake policy: Retake policy: a 24-hour waiting period.
4
Submit your license application
After passing, file your application through NIPR or your state's online portal. Background check and fingerprinting are usually required.
Fingerprinting: Fingerprint requirement varies; check with the state DOI before applying.
5
Get appointed with carriers
A license alone does not let you sell. You need carrier appointments. The Price Group handles contracting with 20+ A-rated carriers so you can start writing business right away.

Want this written out as a printable checklist?

Illinois Licensing Cost Breakdown

Everything you can expect to pay to get fully licensed in Illinois.

Item	Cost
Pre-licensing course (JustInsurance)	$39
Illinois state exam fee	$92
License application fee	$215
Background check / fingerprinting	$50
Estimated total	~$566

Costs are estimates based on the most current published fees and may change. Verify with your state's Department of Insurance before paying.

License term

2 years

CE hours per renewal

24 hrs (3 ethics)

Official CE rules

Reciprocity

Reciprocal licensing is available for producers licensed in good standing in their home state. No exam or pre-licensing education is required.

Illinois Licensing FAQ

Quick answers to the most common questions about getting licensed in Illinois.

Why agents choose The Price Group

Once you are licensed, the next decision is who you go to market with. The Price Group is built for life insurance agents who want a real system, not an MLM.