The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced it will modernize the state’s outdated professional licensing system.
In Illinois, IDFPR is responsible for the oversight and licensing of more than 1.2 million professionals in the state, spanning over 120 different professions and over 300 license types. Since the start of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term in office, IDFPR said has seen an unprecedented and exponential increase in first-time applicants, overwhelming the current outdated system and processes.
IDFPR said that in addition to modernizing outdated processes, it has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system for individuals whose careers require a license to work in Illinois.
For the modernization and overhaul effort, IDFPR is working with NIC Licensing Solutions, a digital government service provider, to implement the new online system. The modernization is being funded by a $9 million investment over the next three years from the Pritzker administration and the state’s General Assembly.
“This new system will elevate the State of Illinois as a national leader in professional licensing by providing state of the art technology for professionals looking to make a career in the Land of Lincoln,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “Governor Pritzker and lawmakers provided invaluable support in ensuring we can move forward with this upgrade, and I thank them for their leadership and guidance as we continue our work to provide quality financial and professional regulation, licensure, and enforcement.
The new licensing system will feature a user-friendly interface with improved communications and create a streamlined review of license applications and fees. Additionally, IDFPR said that prospective licensees will be notified electronically when applications are received and reviewed, and when licenses are issued by the department.
In terms of the timeline, IDFPR said it will immediately begin implementation of the new solution and all departmental licensees will be transitioned to the new licensing system in six phases, ensuring every application and fee payment will be available online. IDFPR said it will announce next steps related to the new licensing system as they become available.
“Anyone who wants to earn a living in Illinois deserves the best resources possible to obtain the licensure needed to make that happen,” said Acting Director of Professional Regulation Camile Lindsay. “I’m excited for this new system to build on the successes we’ve achieved in making our processes more efficient for those who submit – and review – applications.”
