All residents and fellows must have an active Illinois medical license before beginning training and must maintain an active license throughout training, unless otherwise directed by their program to apply for a Permanent (036) License. To qualify for a Permanent License, you must have at least 24 months of ACGME-accredited clinical training.
IDFPR application review can take up to 90+ days, so please apply as early as possible and monitor your email for updates or deficiency notices from IDFPR.
In order for your applications to be processed, ALL REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED with the application and required fee unless otherwise directed in the instructions. Please refer to the instructional checklists below for the complete licensing process.
WARNING: Unlicensed residents/fellows will not be able to begin training on time.
First, determine which license type applies to you:
Temporary (125) (MD/DO Postgraduate)
This is the correct license path for most incoming residents and fellows unless your program specifically directs you to apply for a Permanent (036) License.
Instruction Links:
US Medical Graduates - Instructions for New Temporary Illinois Medical License
Please contact your GME HR Representative upon completion and await further instructions.
Important:
Your signed and sealed CA-MED form will be emailed to you via DocuSign so you can upload it to your application.
If you are an incoming PGY-1 or you are currently training outside of Illinois, please apply for your Temporary License online.
If you are currently training in Illinois and need a transfer or extension of your Temporary License, you must complete a paper application.
Instructions for Transfer/Extension Applicants (currently training in Illinois)
Download and print your application here: Transfer and Extension of Temporary License Application Form.pdf
Drop off the paper application at UIC/UIH GME Office along with a check or money order made out to the IDFPR for $20 (transfer) and $100 (extension). Two separate checks are required for a transfer + extension.
Permanent (036) License (Full Permanent MD/DO License)
Before starting the Permanent License application process, confirm with your program that a Permanent License is required. Permanent licensure is only available to applicants with at least 24 months of clinical training.
Important Timing Guidance
Submitting your Permanent License application too early can cause the license to expire before your start date and may require an unnecessary renewal. To avoid that:
Submit all parts of the application except the TN-MED form to IDFPR.
Submit the completed TN-MED form to your GME HR Representative. GME HR will submit the TN-MED form directly to IDFPR on your behalf within the appropriate window.
Additional Guidance
Start this process as early as possible. You may begin the permanent license application process here: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/onlineresources.html
Allow at least 12 weeks for license issuance.
Check your application status about three weeks after submission and continue checking regularly for deficiencies requiring your attention.
Please ask your program coordinator for your sealed TN-MED form.
Fingerprint Resources
Fingerprint Background Check Guide: https://idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/online/fingerprint-background-check-guide.pdf
Fingerprint Vendor List: https://idfprapps.illinois.gov/licenselookup/fingerprintlist.asp
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Moonlighting activities require an active Illinois permanent medical license.
J-1 Visa Holders: DoS Statement of Policy (1999) states that a foreign medical graduate is not authorized to "moonlight" and is without work authorization to do so.
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Questions
If you have any questions about the license application or your current status, please call the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, (888) 473-4858 or email at fpr.medicalunit@illinois.gov.