Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services • Commercial Driver Training Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$101,530 median (33% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services~Commercial Driver Training Section and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $101,530, Police Officers in Illinois earn 33% above the national median of $76,290. Illinois ranks #3 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
$101,530Hourly estimate
$48.8133% above national median
Difference: +$25,240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#3 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $101,530 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $78,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $73,900 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $60,720 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Kentucky | $60,230 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $71,540 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 72 | Medium | 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 | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services • Commercial Driver Training Section
Capitol Building, Room 213, Springfield, IL, 62756
Phone: 7084373953
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $78,750 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $79,080 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $38,630 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer 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 exams are required for Police Officers in Illinois?
Illinois lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Illinois?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Illinois is $101,530. Salaries range from $55,830 (10th percentile) to $119,020 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Illinois earn 33% above the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $101,530.
How many Police Officers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 29,790 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services / Commercial Driver Training Section. Review agency details at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.