IDFPR is responsible for licensing and regulating more than 1.2 million professionals. These professionals represent a wide breadth of occupations, including medical practitioners, barbers and hair stylists, pharmacists, engineers, architects, geologists, roofing contractors, accountants, and many more.
In 2024, several Republican legislators introduced a plan and legislative package aimed at improving the licensing process and ultimately keeping healthcare providers practicing here in Illinois. The proposed measures would require IDFPR to accept online payments, lower costs, allow for reciprocity, and expedite licenses for critical shortage occupations, especially in healthcare.
In legislative hearings, House Republicans zeroed in on the continued practice of remote employees working at the department, pointing out that the COVID-19 pandemic was long over, and in-person employees are often far more productive than remote employees.
House Republicans also focused on collaborating with Department leadership to implement new technology systems, specifically to expand the online application and renewal process and address delays.
“When we started working with IDFPR, their systems were antiquated to the point that professionals were waiting months to receive their licenses,” said State Rep. Dave Severin. “We took a proactive approach, introduced some bills that would improve their processes and upgrade their technologies. The Department began taking action to improve its services and bring down the backlog of unprocessed renewals and applications. Our work has paid off for dozens of professions and thousands of professionals seeking employment in Illinois.”
Severin is referencing the online portal, which has expanded from a mere 18 professional licenses to the 114 that are now available to be applied for or renewed online.
State Rep. Dr. Paul Jacobs says the updates and expansion have been critical in addressing workforce shortages in critical areas.
“As a licensed optometrist, I have experienced delays with my own license renewals, and as State Representative, one of the biggest issues we have in southern Illinois is onboarding health care professionals like doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals,” said Rep. Jacobs. “I applaud IDFPR for moving rather quickly to expand the list of professional licenses that can be applied for and renewed online. The more people who can skip the paper application process, the more professionals we will have working for our people here in Illinois.”
As a way to connect constituents with IDFPR’s services, State Rep. Jackie Haas, a licensed clinical social worker who has served patients for over 30 years, has hosted pop-up IDFPR license events in her district. In addition to the online portal, Rep. Haas says the pop-up events have benefited local professionals.
“Ensuring that applicants are able to smoothly move through the application process is one way to start filling the gaps in critical roles statewide,” Rep. Haas said. “These pop-up events offered local professionals a great chance to get one-on-one help to ensure speedy licensing, which helped more Illinoisans get to work and fill gaps we have in critical industries.”
To learn more about how to apply for or renew your professional license through the state of Illinois’ Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, visit idfpr.illinois.gov.