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Learn more about IDFPR's work behind the headlines on our new Hub webpage!

The Hub

Every Improvement. Every Update. Every Day.

The Hub is where we share the progress we’ve made and the path we’re paving ahead. Throughout the Pritzker Administration, IDFPR has modernized, streamlined, and led the way nationally on key initiatives that matter to Illinoisans.  From faster licensing to greater transparency and smarter regulation, this page highlights the work behind the headlines: our accomplishments, impact, and vision for the future.

Agency Accomplishment Highlights

Record-Setting Number of Licenses Issued

IDFPR issued 120,933 professional licenses in 2024.

More Illinois professionals are entering the workforce faster, fueling economic growth and public service.

Introduced CORE

Launched a new, modern professional licensing system in October 2024. For most professions, this implementation reduces delays and saves trips to our offices.

  • Learn more about the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE) here!
  • Find which professionals may apply using CORE.
  • Check out user guides, tutorials, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
  • And more!

Leading The Nation

National Leadership. Nationally Recognized.

National Leadership

At IDFPR, leadership extends well beyond state borders.  Our team members are active voices in national organizations that shape the future of regulation across the country.  From serving on the Board of Directors of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA), and other national bodies, IDFPR professionals are driving meaningful change, influencing policy, and helping set nationwide standards in their respective industries.

These roles aren’t just titles, they are platforms for advocacy, collaboration, and innovation.  Our national presence allows Illinois to anticipate regulatory trends, share best practices, and ensure our state is represented at the decision-making table. By contributing thought leadership and expertise at the highest levels, IDFPR helps shape the future of regulation while bringing back valuable insights and resources that directly benefit Illinois consumers and licensees.

Nationally Recognized

IDFPR is proud to be nationally recognized for both the quality of its oversight and the excellence of its divisions.  The Division of Banking is accredited by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), and the Division of Financial Institutions holds accreditation from the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS), two distinctions that reflect our agency’s adherence to rigorous standards of excellence, accountability, and regulatory best practices.

Beyond accreditation, IDFPR continues to earn recognition for its impact and innovation.  The Division of Real Estate has received two national awards from the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO): the Education and Communication Award, underscoring our commitment to transparent, accessible, and forward-thinking regulatory practices. The Division of Professional Regulation received the 2025 Regulatory Excellence Award from the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR), recognizing the Divison’s transformative leadership in professional regulation by modernizing licensure processes, reducing barriers for applicants, and elevating customer service for more than 1.2 million licensed professionals across Illinois.

These accolades affirm that the work done here in Illinois is not only effective but exemplary, instilling public confidence that their state regulator is a national leader in safeguarding integrity, equity, and professionalism across licensed industries.

IDFPR By The Numbers

Legislative Achievements

2024 Legislation:

House Bill 779 (Rep. Nick Smith / Sen. Elgie Sims, Jr.) was signed into law as Public Act 103-0585 on March 22, 2024. The legislation modernizes the Pawnbroker Regulation Act with increased consumer protections and transparency, updating licensing regulations, and improving engagement between industry and law enforcement.

House Bill 5047 (Rep. Terra Costa Howard / Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton) was signed into law as Public Act 103-0686 on July 19, 2024. The legislation extends the time a license-pending nurse can practice while awaiting determination from the Department on licensure from three months to six months and adds full practice authority APRNs to those nursing licensure applicants who may practice while their licenses are pending.

House Bill 5353 (Rep. Bob Morgan / Sen. Sara Feigenholtz) was signed into law as Public Act 103-0708 on July 19, 2024. The legislation includes changes that bring the State into compliance with the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to enable license portability for military servicemembers and their spouses. 

Senate Bill 2643 (Sen. Doris Turner / Rep. Mary Gill) was signed into law as Public Act 103-0907 on August 9, 2024. The legislation adds identification and chain of custody regulations for the handling and storing of human remains by funeral establishments and crematory authorities, who shall maintain a chain of custody records that are uniquely identified to the deceased. When the Department receives a complaint under the Act, the agency would be required to inspect the premises.

Senate Bill 3412 (Sen. Laura Ellman / Rep. Margaret Croke) was signed into law as Public Act 103-0991 on August 9, 2024. The legislation updates the Transmitters of Money Act based on the Uniform Money Transmission Modernization Act (“UMTMA”) model developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, payment industry, and regulators. 

2025 Legislation:

 

House Bill 1270 (Rep. Bill Hauter / Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton) was signed into law as Public Act 104-0170 on August 15, 2025. The legislation allows licensed health care professionals to place their active licenses into volunteer status without paying a fee. Licensees with this status will be allowed to only engage in the volunteer practice of their profession in free or public clinics. 

House Bill 1806 (Rep. Bob Morgan / Sen. Ram Villivalam) was signed into law as Public Act 104-0054 on August 1, 2025. The legislation creates the Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act, which ensures only licensed human mental health professionals are providing therapy services in Illinois, not artificial intelligence.

House Bill 2459 (Rep. Natalie Manley / Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton) was signed into law as Public Act 104-0228 on August 15, 2025. The legislation adds two new pathways to licensure as a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois. The bill also establishes a method for out-of-state CPAs whose home state’s licensure requirements are not equivalent to Illinois’ requirements to petition for an equivalency determination to have Illinois accountancy privileges.

Senate Bill 1797 (Sen. Mark Walker / Rep. Edgar Gonzalez) was signed into law as Public Act 104-0428 on August 18, 2025. The legislation regulates digital asset businesses in Illinois. It protects consumers by establishing regulatory oversight of these businesses via consumer disclosures, customer asset safeguards, and customer service standards. 

Senate Bill 2319 (Sen. Laura Ellman / Rep. Curtis Tarver) was signed into law as Public Act 104-0429 on August 18, 2025. The legislation regulates digital asset kiosks in Illinois. It caps transaction fees, requires kiosk operators to provide refunds to legitimate scam victims, and limits daily transaction amounts for new and existing customers alike. 

Creative Collaboration

Partner with the University of Illinois to host the consumer podcast “Making Cents of Money” and the “Get Savvy – Grow Your Green $tuff” financial webinar series.

Issued warnings with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to warn of scams targeting consumers (including for student loansroofing repairs after storms, and banking consumers).

Teamed up with the Illinois Department on Aging to warn about financial exploitation of senior citizens and how it can be prevented.

Conducted a town hall with the Illinois Department of Corrections for more than 100 incarcerated individuals regarding cosmetology and barber licensure requirements.

Testimonials

“I’ve been around state government for over 15 years now, and I really am hard pressed to think of a turnaround like this.”Rep. Bob Morgan on IDFPR’s implementation of CORE (March 2025)

“We are especially grateful to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for their leadership in crafting and supporting this legislation. Their commitment to consumer protection and regulatory innovation ensures that Illinois remains at the forefront of financial safety and transparency.”AARP Illinois on the signing of the Digital Kiosks Act (August 2025)

 

“[IDFPR has] been working incredibly fast and efficiently in getting everything back to us. For example, I applied on Friday night on Nov. 1. I heard back by 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.”Mia Iliopoulos Krings, President of the Illinois Association for Music Therapy (December 2024)

“Illinois has a history of successfully regulating new technologies.”Fast Company, “The quiet ban that could change how AI talks to you ” (August 2025)

Ensuring Access To Resources

Past, Present, And Future

You Asked, We Delivered

Question: I’ve heard IDFPR has improved and streamlined its professional processes, including online services. Where can I find everything in one spot?
  Check out this helpful guide, which includes QR codes to the new online materials. 
Question: I need help with my professional license application, but I live too far from IDFPR’s Chicago and Springfield offices. How can I get the help I need?
 

Applicants can contact the IDFPR call center at 1-800-560-6420 for assistance.

Additionally, IDFPR launched virtual appointments in July 2024 for applicants to connect with licensing processors. You can learn more about the virtual appointments (including how to schedule one) here.

IDFPR also launched a traveling series in June 2024, “IDFPR on the Road,” where we bring licensing assistance services to municipalities across Illinois. You can find our list of upcoming events here.

Question: How can I learn more about IDFPR and the services it provides to the people of Illinois?
  We recommend you check out the “About IDFPR” and “Help Center” tabs at the top of our website. There, you’ll find overviews of the various licensing and consumer protections we provide, along with links to our online licensing services.
Question: How can I keep up to date with announcements from IDFPR?
 

IDFPR frequently uses email blasts to connect with licensees based on their profession, so licensees should ensure their contact information is updated through their online account.

IDFPR maintains active social media accounts on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, X, and BlueSky. Be sure to follow the Department on the platforms you use to follow our posts and updates.

Additionally, you can see all IDFPR press releases (and sign up to receive them) by going here: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/news/newsroom.html.

Be Part Of The Solution At IDFPR

Have an idea for IDFPR to improve our services for the people of Illinois? We want to hear from you!

Send your idea to fpr.outreach@illinois.gov.

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