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Investment Advisor License in Illinois

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Investment Advisor license in IL. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$500

Processing Time

4-8 Weeks

Exam Required

Series 65 or Series 66 Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Investment Advisor license in Illinois.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Investment Advisor training program in Illinois.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your IL application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the Series 65 or Series 66 Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Illinois licensing board and pay the $500 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-8 weeks in IL. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

The path to becoming a licensed Investment Advisor in Illinois involves several key steps. First, complete an approved education program recognized by IL. Next, prepare for and successfully pass the Series 65 or Series 66 Exam. Finally, gather your documentation and submit your license application through the Illinois state licensing portal.

Requirements

Before applying for a Investment Advisor license in Illinois, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria. IL requires candidates to have completed the necessary educational coursework and accumulated the required training hours. All applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Successfully passing the Series 65 or Series 66 Exam is a non-negotiable requirement in Illinois.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Investment Advisor license in Illinois requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in IL is $500, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $650 total when accounting for all associated costs in Illinois.

License Fee Calculator — Investment Advisor in Illinois

Base License Fee$500
Estimated Total$500

Renewal Process

Your Investment Advisor license in Illinois must be renewed every 1 year. The renewal fee in IL is $350. Illinois requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in IL can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — Investment Advisor in IL

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Illinois requires renewal every 1 year.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Investment Advisor professionals in Illinois continues to grow. IL offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in Illinois provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Investment Advisor professionals in IL report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Investment Advisor

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Illinois Investment Advisor License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts IL Investment Advisor license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize IL Investment Advisor license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts IL Investment Advisor license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) FullCO accepts IL Investment Advisor license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize IL Investment Advisor license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for IL license holders.

Where to File Locally in Illinois

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Chicago

100 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

(312) 814-4500

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Springfield

320 W Washington St, Springfield, IL 62786

(217) 785-0800

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Rockford

425 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104

(815) 987-5600

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Peoria

419 NE Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61603

(309) 671-3000

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Naperville

400 S Eagle St, Naperville, IL 60540

(630) 420-6111

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Illinois Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Illinois state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.