Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Business
Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mortgage loan originator in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mortgage Loan Originator in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 3
Persons who, in return for a fee from any person who is domiciled in the State of Illinois, promise to procure a loan for any person or assist any person in procuring a loan from any third party, or who promise to consider whether or not to make a loan to any person.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$75,960 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Mortgage Loan Originator licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 5. Submit the application to Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $75,960, Mortgage Loan Originators in Illinois earn 2% above the national median of $74,180. Illinois ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$75,960Hourly estimate
$36.522% above national median
Difference: +$1,780
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMortgage Loan Originator Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor Mortgage Loan Originator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $98,940 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $95,090 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $93,430 |
| #4 | Vermont | $86,490 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $84,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mortgage Loan Originator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $75,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $79,230 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Iowa | $80,070 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $72,730 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $68,600 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $71,400 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Wisconsin | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department
Capitol Building, Room 213, Springfield, IL, 62756
Phone: 2177822256
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,030 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Mortgage Loan Originators in Illinois is $75,960. Salaries range from $47,170 (10th percentile) to $137,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Mortgage Loan Originators in Illinois earn 2% above the national median of $74,180, with a state median of $75,960.
How many Mortgage Loan Originators work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 10,330 Mortgage Loan Originators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mortgage Loan Originator license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Mortgage Loan Originators in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department. Review agency details at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/.
How often do you renew a Mortgage Loan Originator license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.