CPA License Renewal in Illinois (2026)

CPA license renewal in Illinois is handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act), which requires Certified Public Accountant (CPA)s to renew every 36 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Illinois CPA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	36 months
Deadline rule	Licensed CPAs renew on a fixed triennial schedule. All Illinois CPA licenses share a common expiration date of September 30 every three years (the current cycle ends September 30, 2027), regardless of when the license was first issued. Online renewal typically opens about 2-3 months before expiration.
CE hours required	120 hours
Renewal fee	$120.00
Online renewal	Yes
CE tracking system	Self-reported CPE; licensee retains records and may submit a Public Accounting CPE Reporting Form / produce records on audit (no CE Broker)
Governing body	Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act)

Go to the official Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act). automated research workflow (official illinois Board of Accountancy), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for CPAs in Illinois

120 CPE hours are required per three-year renewal cycle. Of these, at least 4 hours must be in professional ethics and at least 1 hour must be in sexual harassment prevention training. CPE must be completed in the three years preceding license expiration. There is no published per-year minimum (the requirement is stated as a per-cycle total). Illinois does not require a separate state-specific ethics exam. Registered (inactive) CPAs are exempt from CPE.

Need approved hours? Compare Illinois CPA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CPA license in Illinois

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act) portal.
Complete the required 120 CE hours and confirm they appear in Self-reported CPE; licensee retains records and may submit a Public Accounting CPE Reporting Form / produce records on audit (no CE Broker).
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Licensing is state-level via IDFPR under the Illinois Public Accounting Act (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1420); the Board of Examiners coordinates the exam while IDFPR issues/renews licenses. This record is for the active individual "Licensed CPA" — distinct from the lower-fee "Registered CPA" status ($90 renewal, CPE-exempt) and from CPA firm/PA-firm permits. The $50 figure is the per-missed-period late/delinquent component; full restoration of a lapsed license also requires payment of the $120 renewal fee per missed period plus proof of CPE. Fee and cycle confirmed against IDFPR pages, ICPAS renewal guidance, and the Illinois Administrative Code Part 1420; the exact ILGA Section 1420.40 page timed out on fetch so the dollar figures are corroborated rather than read line-by-line from the primary statute page.

CPA license renewal in Illinois: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CPA license in Illinois?

Illinois CPA licenses renew every 36 months. Licensed CPAs renew on a fixed triennial schedule. All Illinois CPA licenses share a common expiration date of September 30 every three years (the current cycle ends September 30, 2027), regardless of when the license was first issued. Online renewal typically opens about 2-3 months before expiration.

How many CE hours are required to renew an CPA license in Illinois?

Approximately 120 continuing-education hours per cycle. 120 CPE hours are required per three-year renewal cycle. Of these, at least 4 hours must be in professional ethics and at least 1 hour must be in sexual harassment prevention training. CPE must be completed in the three years preceding license expiration. There is no published per-year minimum (the requirement is stated as a per-cycle total). Illinois does not require a separate state-specific ethics exam. Registered (inactive) CPAs are exempt from CPE. Confirm the current requirement with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act).

Can I renew my Illinois CPA license online?

Yes — Illinois offers online renewal through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Illinois CPA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $50 may apply. Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Examiners (Illinois Public Accounting Act) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) renewal