Illinois

At a glance

Authority

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), advised by the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Board

Statute

225 ILCS 447

Rules

68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240

Renewal

Private detective licenses expire May 31 every three years, regardless of issue date (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.550). Check your own expiration in IDFPR License Lookup.

Training

Licensed private detectives complete at least 8 hours of annual training related to their practice and keep a log for 5 years (225 ILCS 447/15-25).

Insurance

At least $1,000,000 in commercial general liability coverage (IDFPR qualifications)

Sunset

The Act is scheduled for repeal on January 1, 2029, unless extended.

Changes, 2023 to 2026

• Aug 21, 2026

  Technical revisions to training sections

  Public Act 104-0852Effective August 21, 2026

  The First 2026 General Revisory Act made technical and stylistic corrections to the alarm contractor and security contractor training sections (225 ILCS 447/20-20 and 25-20). It states that it is not intended to make any substantive change in the law.

  For licensees: No action needed by private detectives.

  Public Act text SB 3731 status

• Jul 24, 2026

  Licensing board reduced to 11 members

  Public Act 104-0601Effective January 1, 2027

  Amends 225 ILCS 447/50-10. The board drops from 13 to 11 members by removing one locksmith seat and the seat for a licensee who provides canine odor detection services. Licensed members will need 3 years of experience instead of 5. The two private detective seats remain.

  For licensees: No change to individual licensing requirements. Private detectives licensed for 3 to 5 years become eligible for board appointment.

  Public Act text HB 4353 status

• Sep 2025

  LEOSA credentials valid for three years

  Agency notice

  IDFPR states that LEOSA credentials issued in Illinois are now valid for three years from the date of last issuance. We found no matching amendment to 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240.

  For licensees: Holders of the retired peace officer firearm control card waiver should note the validity period.

  IDFPR notice

• Oct 30, 2024

  Applications move to the CORE online system

  Agency notice

  IDFPR launched CORE, its online licensing system. New private detective applications are filed there.

  For licensees: Expect to apply for and manage your credential through CORE.

  IDFPR notice

• Jul 28, 2023

  Act extended to 2029; email address of record required

  Public Act 103-0309Most provisions effective January 1, 2024

  Moved the Act’s repeal date from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2029. Added a required email address of record, removed the pre-2005 canine odor detection grandfather provisions, and updated provisions on applications, hearings, subpoenas, and the board.

  For licensees: Keep a valid mailing address and email address on file with IDFPR and report changes within 14 days. The Act needs another extension before January 1, 2029.

  Public Act text HB 2395 status

No amendments to 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1240 were found from 2023 to 2026. The most recent rule change took effect September 6, 2022, and added the annual training rule.