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Illinois Occupational Therapist License

Illinois IDFPR — Occupational Therapy

Total Fee
$285
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / Illinois State Police
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the ACOTE-accredited institution to the IDFPR.
  • NBCOT Verification — Official score report or certification verification sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
  • Fingerprint Receipt (TCN) — The 16-digit Transaction Control Number (TCN) provided by the live scan vendor must be entered into the application.
  • Identity Verification Certifying Statement (OOS-FP) — Required only for out-of-state applicants who cannot use an Illinois live scan vendor.

How to Apply

  1. Create a CORE Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) CORE portal using ILogin.
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the initial Occupational Therapist application within the CORE system, providing personal history and educational details.
  3. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable $25 initial application fee through the online portal.
    Pay Fees
  4. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    Schedule and complete a criminal background check through an IDFPR-approved live scan vendor. Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days of application submission.
    Find Fingerprint Vendor
  5. Verify NBCOT Certification ▾
    Request that the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) send official verification of your OTR certification directly to the Illinois Board.
  6. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Contact your educational institution to have official transcripts sent directly to the IDFPR verifying your degree in Occupational Therapy.
Total Fee
$285
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.

Steps

  1. Apply via CORE ▾
    Select the 'Endorsement' application type in the CORE portal.
  2. Verification of Licensure ▾
    Request official verification of licensure from every state or jurisdiction where you have ever held a license, sent directly to the Illinois Board.
  3. NBCOT Verification ▾
    Ensure current NBCOT certification is verified and sent to the Board.
    NBCOT Verification
  4. Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprinting process as required for all initial Illinois applicants.
    Fingerprint Vendors
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Illinois IDFPR — Occupational Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Illinois Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Illinois IDFPR — Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$225
Endorsement application$225
Fingerprint check$60.00
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Expired Fingerprints ▾
Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days of the application date. If they expire before the application is processed, a new set is required.
Missing NBCOT Verification ▾
The Board requires verification directly from NBCOT; personal copies of certificates are not accepted.
Incomplete Out-of-State Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when applicants fail to request verifications from every state where they have held a license, even if the license is inactive.

Questions

How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal? ▾
24 contact hours are required every two-year renewal cycle.
When does my Illinois OT license expire? ▾
All Illinois Occupational Therapist licenses expire on December 31 of every odd-numbered year.
What are the mandatory CE topics in Illinois? ▾
Licensees must complete 1 hour of Ethics, 1 hour of Sexual Harassment Prevention, 1 hour of Implicit Bias Awareness, and 1 hour of Dementia Training (if treating adults 26+).
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
No, you must have a valid Illinois license or a temporary permit in your possession to practice.

Board Info

Illinois IDFPR — Occupational Therapy
Phone(888) 473-4858
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25