Real Estate License from Illinois to Arizona: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) ↗
A real estate license transfers from Illinois to Arizona by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE), verify your Illinois license, and meet Arizona's endorsement requirements. No exam waiver - the applicant must pass the full Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE; Arizona uses a single state-specific exam). Out-of-state license recognition waives the 90-hour pre-license course, but a 6-hour contract writing course is still required..
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Arizona publishes no agreement covering Illinois, but it does evaluate out-of-state licensees individually — so this move runs on Arizona's endorsement judgment rather than a guarantee. The requirements below are what the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) commits to in writing; for anything discretionary (exam waivers, education credit), get the commission's answer in writing before you rely on it.
What changes, Illinois → Arizona
| Illinois (current) | Arizona (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training hours | 75 | 90 |
| Application fee | $150 ($150 non-refundable endorsement application fee for the Broker profession ($175 for Managing Broker); separate from PSI endorsement-exam fees and 30-hour course tuition.) | $60 (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).) |
| Processing time | IDFPR does not publish a stated processing time for endorsement applications | ADRE does not publish a fixed processing time for out-of-state recognition applications. |
| Licensing authority | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Division of Real Estate | Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Arizona sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Arizona's current requirements on the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state.
- Submit a license history showing an equivalent active out-of-state license held for at least one year.
- Complete the Out-of-State License Recognition - Arizona Residency Attestation Form.
- Complete a 6-hour Contract Writing course.
- Obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Pass the Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE).
- Pay the fees ($60 (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).)) and allow ADRE does not publish a fixed processing time for out-of-state recognition applications..
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Arizona accept a Illinois real estate license?
A real estate license transfers from Illinois to Arizona by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE), verify your Illinois license, and meet Arizona's endorsement requirements. No exam waiver - the applicant must pass the full Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE; Arizona uses a single state-specific exam). Out-of-state license recognition waives the 90-hour pre-license course, but a 6-hour contract writing course is still required..
Which exams will I take moving from Illinois to Arizona?
No exam waiver - the applicant must pass the full Arizona Real Estate Salesperson examination (Pearson VUE; Arizona uses a single state-specific exam). Out-of-state license recognition waives the 90-hour pre-license course, but a 6-hour contract writing course is still required..
What does the move cost?
$60 (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).) (Original salesperson license: $50 license fee + $10 real estate recovery fund fee = $60. Plus a $75 examination application/exam fee (Pearson VUE) and the Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card fee (separate).).
Can I keep selling in Illinois after I'm licensed in Arizona?
Yes — real estate licenses stack. Keep the Illinois license active (renewals and CE continue separately) and you hold both; many border-market agents do exactly this.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- ADRE - Out-of-State License Recognition Salesperson License (cites A.R.S. 32-2124) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ADRE - Salesperson License (90-hour prelicense + 6-hour contract writing requirement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- ADRE - Fees (salesperson license $50 + $10 recovery fund; exam $75) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — Real Estate Brokerage page ('Endorsement Process becomes effective January 1, 2026 ... replaces a Reciprocal Process previously in place with specific states') ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — Real Estate Application for Licensure by Endorsement (Broker $150 / Managing Broker $175; 30-hour endorsement course; endorsement exam on Illinois law) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — 30-Hour Real Estate Broker Pre-License Endorsement Course Curriculum (12-10-2024) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- IDFPR — Broker 75-Hour Pre-License Curriculum (60 hours topics + 15 hours applied) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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