Hold a valid, unencumbered U.S. medical license, or apply for a new Illinois medical license through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Graduate from an accredited medical school (LCME for MDs or equivalent for DOs).
Complete acceptable postgraduate training (residency), as required by the Illinois Board of Medicine.
Provide primary-source verification for your medical education, residency/specialty training, and any previous medical licenses.
Submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report, or equivalent credential/disclosure as required.
Undergo a criminal background check (fingerprinting and disclosures) as part of the application process.
Apply via the IDFPR online portal.
Complete the application form, including detailed professional history, education, and any disciplinary or malpractice events.
Submit required documents:
Medical school transcripts
Residency / training verification
License verifications (if you’ve held licenses in other jurisdictions)
NPDB self-query or equivalent
Photo ID and any other requested forms
Pay the required application / licensing fees.
Complete a fingerprint-based background check.
After approval, your Illinois physician license will be issued.
To prescribe controlled substances in Illinois, you must apply for a Physician/Surgeon Controlled Substances Registration (CSR) with IDFPR.
Maintain an active DEA registration if you prescribe controlled substances.
Register with the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP) as required.
Physicians in Illinois must complete 150 hours of CME every 3 years.
A minimum of 60 hours must come from formal CME programs.
Up to 90 hours may come from informal CME activities.
Mandatory topic-specific CME includes:
Safe opioid prescribing: 3 hours required if you have an Illinois CSR.
Sexual harassment prevention: 1 hour every 3-year cycle.
Implicit bias training: 1 hour.
Dementia awareness (diagnosis, care): 1 hour.
Physicians must keep records of all CME credits, including certificates for formal CME and self-recorded logs of informal CME, for at least one full license-cycle.
IDFPR may randomly audit physicians for CME compliance.
Processing time for applications and renewals may vary; delays can occur due to credential verification, background checks, or missing documentation. (Typical times are not publicly fixed.)
Make sure all documents are submitted correctly to avoid unnecessary delays.
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR): Licensing portal & information.
IDFPR Controlled Substances (CSR): Application and renewal information.
Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) CME info: CME requirements and FAQs
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Check out individual state requirements by clicking the links down below.
