Understanding Your Illinois Social Work License Renewal
Your Illinois LSW or LCSW license operates on a biennial renewal cycle. Regardless of your initial licensure date, all licenses expire on November 30th of each odd-numbered year. The upcoming expiration date is November 30, 2025.
License holders can initiate the renewal process in the month leading up to the expiration date. Timely renewal, along with payment of the required fee and completion of continuing education (CE) requirements, ensures your license remains active.
Renewing after the November 30th deadline incurs additional fees and requires CE submission. Late renewal can also lead to temporary license suspension.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Renewal: What You Need to Know
Continuing education is a vital part of maintaining your Illinois social work license. Here’s a breakdown of CEU requirements:
- First Renewal: If you are renewing your LSW or LCSW for the very first time, you are not required to have accumulated 30 CEUs. However, you still need to complete the renewal application and process.
- Subsequent Renewals: For your second and all subsequent renewals, 30 CEUs are mandatory for license renewal.
- LCSW and LSW Renewal: If you are upgrading to an LCSW and wish to maintain your LSW concurrently, you will need to acquire CEUs for your LSW renewal as well. It’s generally advised to focus solely on your LCSW and not maintain an LSW once you have attained the clinical level license.
For detailed information on acceptable CEUs and specific requirements, refer to the IDFPR website or the NASW Illinois Chapter resources.
When Can You Renew Your Illinois Social Work License?
IDFPR typically opens the online renewal portal approximately 2-3 months before the November 30th deadline. The department sends email notifications to social workers when the renewal window opens. To ensure you receive these important notifications, verify that your contact information is current with IDFPR.
Once you have fulfilled all renewal prerequisites, including obtaining the necessary 30 CE hours (if applicable), you can proceed with your online renewal application.
Where to Renew Your License Online: The IDFPR Portal
The IDFPR manages all professional licenses in Illinois through its online portal. The system was updated in Fall 2021, and all license renewals must now be processed through this new online portal.
To renew, you will need to access the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
Cost of License Renewal
The standard IDFPR license renewal fee is $60.00, covering the two-year licensure cycle ($30 per year).
Important Update for 2023 Renewal Cycle: For the 2023 renewal cycle only, these fees were waived by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker as a recognition of first responders’ efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Note that this fee waiver may have specific conditions, and it’s recommended to check official IDFPR announcements for the most current fee information.
License Lapse and Reinstatement
If you fail to renew your license and it lapses, you will need to go through a reinstatement or restoration process. Details on how to reinstate a lapsed license can be found on the IDFPR website or through professional organizations like NASW.
Updating Your Contact Information with IDFPR
Maintaining accurate contact information with IDFPR is your responsibility as a licensee. This ensures you receive renewal notifications and other important updates.
Updating Online:
- Log in to your IDFPR Online Services Portal.
- Navigate to “Online Services” and then “Account Information.”
- Use “Address Change” to update your mailing address.
- Use “Update My Contact Info” to change your email address.
Updating via Mail:
If you do not have an online account, you must submit the IDFPR Name and Address Change Form via mail.
How to “IDFPR Print My License” Online
IDFPR has transitioned to a paperless system and no longer mails physical licenses. You can access and print your license details, including issuance and expiration dates, through their dedicated “Print My License” portal.
To “idfpr print my license”:
- Visit the IDFPR Print My License Portal.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Follow the prompts to access and print your license.
This online portal is the official and most efficient way to obtain a copy of your Illinois social work license whenever you need it. Ensure you keep your login information secure and readily accessible for future use.
