Services in Illinois: How does the Illinois Division of Professional and Financial Regulation (IDFPR) Operate

The Division of Real Estate under the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is dedicated to serving, safeguarding, and promoting the public welfare by ensuring that licensed real estate professionals meet appropriate qualifications and standards. This article will delve into the various services provided by the division, including licensing, education, enforcement, and the role of boards and committees in regulating real estate-related professions in the state.

Licensing and Education

Headquartered in Springfield, the Licensing and Education Section of the Division oversees the issuance of licenses to qualified individuals in the real estate field. It ensures that individuals meet the necessary criteria to practice within their chosen area of expertise. If you have any inquiries about licensure requirements or the status of a pending application, please reach out to our call center at (800) 560-6420.

Enforcement Unit

The Division of Real Estate's Enforcement Unit, based in Chicago, is responsible for upholding state laws pertaining to the conduct and practices of real estate professionals across Illinois. This unit, comprising the Investigations and Prosecutions Sections, conducts compliance examinations and investigates allegations made against licensed professionals. It also takes legal action against those found in violation of the law.

To further ensure compliance, Illinois developed a Real Estate Examination Program, designed to assess adherence to the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000 and Administrative Rules by real estate sponsoring brokers. The Division's Real Estate Examiner conducts these examinations, and a team of professional investigators gathers evidence and verifies consumer complaints.

Services Available on the Website

The Division of Real Estate offers a user-friendly website (https://idfpr.illinois.gov/dre.html) with several services to facilitate easy access to information for both consumers and industry professionals. These services include:

1. License Look-up

Allows users to search for individuals or entities holding professional licenses using either the name or license number.

2. Bulk License Look-up

Enables businesses to look up multiple licenses simultaneously.

3. CE Look-up

Allows professionals to verify their Continuing Education (CE) credits for the current renewal period.

4. File a Complaint

Individuals can submit complaints against regulated individuals or entities using the Complaint Intake Unit at the Chicago office. Please call 1-888-473-4858

5. Renewals

Provides information for professionals seeking to renew their licenses.

6. Download Licensure Application Forms and Examination Candidate Handbooks

Allows easy access to necessary forms and handbooks for licensure applications and exams.

7. Acts and Rules

Comprehensive information about the legislative acts and rules governing real estate-related professions.

8. Boards and Committees

Insight into the boards and committees that play advisory roles in the administration and enforcement of Illinois laws governing licensed real estate professionals.

Mission and History

The mission of the Division of Real Estate is to ensure that licensed real estate professions meet and maintain the required qualifications and standards. Established on July 1, 1917, as the Department of Registration and Education, the agency has evolved over time. On March 31, 2004, a gubernatorial Executive Order created the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, while another Executive Order on March 31, 2014, established the Division of Real Estate to exclusively regulate licensed real estate professionals.

Legislative Acts

The Division is mandated to administer and enforce several legislative acts that regulate real estate-related professions in Illinois. These legislative acts include:

• Auction License Act (225 ILCS 407)
• Appraisal Management Company Registration Act (225 ILCS 407)
• Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act (225 ILCS 427)
• Home Inspector License Act (225 ILCS 441)
• Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002 (225 ILCS 458)
• Real Estate License Act of 2000 (225 ILCS 454)

Boards and Committees

The Division's boards and committees serve in advisory roles to assist in the administration and enforcement of laws governing licensed real estate professionals. They contribute to the establishment of standards and rules for licensing and education, review case files, and recommend disciplinary action. The boards include:

• Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board
• Real Estate Appraisal Administration and Disciplinary Board
• Auction Advisory Board
• Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Board

In conclusion, the Division of Real Estate plays a vital role in regulating and maintaining the integrity of the real estate profession in Illinois. With its commitment to excellence, effective communication, and transparency in operations, the Division continues to serve both consumers and the industry alike. For more information or to file a complaint, please visit the division's website (https://idfpr.illinois.gov/dre.html) or contact them directly at the provided phone and email addresses.