The Illinois IDFPR Physician Assistant License application is the official filing every physician assistant (PA) must complete with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before practicing medicine in Illinois under a collaborating physician. The application is governed by the Illinois Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987 (225 ILCS 95/) and the rules at 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350, and most filings now run through the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
A small typo in the NCCPA verification field or a missing fingerprint receipt routinely adds 6–8 weeks to processing, and IDFPR has historically reported that more than 30% of professional license applications receive at least one deficiency notice on first review. This guide walks you through every box, fee, and attachment so your license posts on time.
- 📝 How to fill out every field on the initial, endorsement, and renewal PA applications
- 🧾 Which documents, transcripts, and verifications to gather before you start
- 💵 Exact fees, deadlines, and CE rules under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.116
- 🚨 The top 10 mistakes that delay or deny PA licenses in Illinois
- 💊 How the Illinois Controlled Substances License (CSL) ties into your PA license
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Illinois PA license application is the legal vehicle the state uses to verify a person’s education, examination, and character before authorizing PA practice. The Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987 requires every PA who diagnoses, treats, or prescribes in Illinois to hold an active license issued by the IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation. The Act is enforced jointly with the rules at 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350, which set out education, exam, fees, and continuing education.
Three filer profiles use this application. New graduates file the Initial Licensure by Examination application after passing the PANCE. Out-of-state PAs file the Licensure by Endorsement application using their existing license and NCCPA certification. Foreign-trained or returning PAs file under reinstatement or special endorsement rules described in the IDFPR Physician Assistant page.
The consequence of practicing without an active Illinois PA license is severe. Under 225 ILCS 95/4, unlicensed practice is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony on repeat offenses, plus civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. Employers who allow unlicensed practice face their own discipline through the Medical Practice Act.
A common misconception is that NCCPA certification alone allows practice. It does not. NCCPA is a national credential; only the IDFPR-issued Illinois license, paired with a filed Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement, gives legal authority to practice in Illinois.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every document below before you open the IDFPR Online Services Portal. The portal times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, and a missing attachment is the single most common cause of a deficiency letter.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport). IDFPR cross-checks the name with NCCPA and SSA records, so a name mismatch triggers an automatic hold.
- Social Security Number. Required by 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15 for license issuance and child-support enforcement.
- NCCPA certification number and PANCE pass date. IDFPR pulls verification directly from NCCPA; you authorize that release inside the application.
- Official PA program transcript. The transcript must show conferral of the degree and be sent directly from the ARC-PA accredited program to IDFPR.
- Fingerprint receipt (TCN). Illinois requires Livescan fingerprints from an IDFPR-approved Livescan vendor. The Transaction Control Number (TCN) goes into the application.
- Form A – Certification of Licensure from every state where you have ever held a PA license (endorsement filers only). Each state must mail or upload it directly to IDFPR.
- Malpractice and discipline disclosure documents. Court records, settlement agreements, or board orders for any “Yes” answer on the personal history questions.
- Payment method. A Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express card for the $300 initial application fee (or the current renewal fee for renewals).
- Collaborating physician information (if already employed). The collaborating physician’s full name, Illinois MD/DO license number, and practice address for the Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement.
- NPI number. Not required for licensure but needed before billing or DEA registration after the license posts.
If any item is missing at submission, IDFPR issues a deficiency letter, which pauses the 4–6 week review clock until you cure the defect. Aisha, a new graduate from Midwestern University, learned this when she submitted without her TCN and waited an extra 7 weeks.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
All Illinois PA license applications now route through the IDFPR Online Services Portal, which replaced the old paper PDFs for most license types in 2020. You will find every PA application — initial, endorsement, controlled substances, and renewal — listed on the Physician Assistant page under “Licensee Application Forms.”
To access the portal, create a Public Access Account using a personal email address you control long-term. Use a personal email, not a work email, because the account follows you across employers and is the only way to renew every two years. After login, click “Apply for a License,” choose “Physician Assistant in Medicine, Licensed,” then select the application type that matches your situation.
A handful of filings still use PDF forms. The Physician Assistant Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement is filed by email to FPR.MedicalUnit@illinois.gov, by fax to 217-524-2169, or by mail to IDFPR – Division of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786. The same address handles paper reinstatement and restoration petitions.
The form’s revision date prints at the bottom of every PDF. Always confirm the revision is the most recent before filing — IDFPR rejects superseded versions outright. As of this writing the Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement and the Physician Assistant Controlled Substance User Guide are the controlling versions.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Illinois PA License Application Line by Line
The online application is broken into numbered sections. Each section below maps to the on-screen heading inside the IDFPR Online Services Portal and uses the exact field labels you will see.
Section 1: Application Type
What the field asks in plain English. It asks how you qualify for an Illinois PA license — by passing the PANCE for the first time, or by transferring an existing license from another state.
How to answer it. Select one radio button: Examination (for first-time licensure within six years of passing PANCE) or Endorsement (for PAs licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction). Do not select both.
A specific example answer. Marcus, a 2026 graduate of Rosalind Franklin University who passed PANCE in May 2026, selects Examination because he has never held a PA license elsewhere.
A nuance or edge case. If you passed PANCE more than six years ago and never held a license, you must apply by endorsement after re-certifying through NCCPA, per 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.30.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Endorsement filers sometimes pick “Examination” because they took PANCE. The system then demands documents they cannot supply, and IDFPR voids the application and keeps the fee.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think “Endorsement” means automatic transfer. It does not — Illinois reviews every endorsement file the same as an initial file, including fingerprints and transcripts.
Section 2: Personal Information (Legal Name, DOB, SSN)
What the field asks in plain English. It collects the identity that ties your license to federal and state databases.
How to answer it. Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, in ALL CAPS, with no nicknames. Use MM/DD/YYYY for date of birth and enter your nine-digit SSN with no dashes.
A specific example answer. Maria Lopez-Hernandez writes LOPEZ-HERNANDEZ in Last Name, MARIA in First Name, 03/14/1995 in DOB, and 123456789 in SSN.
A nuance or edge case. Recently married applicants who have not yet updated SSA must use the old name on this form and update IDFPR after SSA changes are complete. Mismatched names freeze the file.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Entering a preferred first name instead of the legal name. IDFPR’s name-match script rejects the file and returns it as a deficiency.
A misconception people hold about this field. Some filers believe SSN is optional. Under 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15, it is mandatory — failure to provide it bars license issuance.
Section 3: Mailing Address and Contact Information
What the field asks in plain English. Where IDFPR mails your wall license, renewal notices, and any deficiency letters.
How to answer it. Use a stable address you will keep for at least two years. Enter street, city, state, ZIP+4, plus a personal phone and personal email.
A specific example answer. Marcus enters 2150 N. CLARK ST, APT 4B, CHICAGO, IL 60614, his personal cell, and marcus.t@gmail.com.
A nuance or edge case. Out-of-state endorsement filers may use their current state address until they relocate, then update inside the portal within 14 days under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.50.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Using a hospital or clinic address. When you change jobs, mail bounces and you can miss your renewal notice, leading to lapse.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think IDFPR honors USPS forwarding. It does not — the agency mails only to the address on file.
Section 4: Education
What the field asks in plain English. Proof you graduated from an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
How to answer it. Enter the program name, city, state, degree (MS, MMS, MPAS), and graduation date in MM/YYYY. Authorize the program to send your official transcript directly to IDFPR.
A specific example answer. Aisha lists MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY – DOWNERS GROVE, IL, MMS, 05/2026.
A nuance or edge case. If your program awarded the degree under a different legal name (e.g., a college that has since been renamed), list the current legal name and attach a name-change letter from the registrar.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Uploading an unofficial PDF transcript. IDFPR only accepts transcripts received directly from the program, and your file sits in deficiency until the official copy arrives.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think a diploma scan replaces a transcript. It does not — only a sealed or e-transcript from the registrar satisfies the rule.
Section 5: Examination – NCCPA Certification
What the field asks in plain English. Proof you passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and currently hold NCCPA certification.
How to answer it. Enter your NCCPA ID number, the PANCE pass date (MM/DD/YYYY), and your NCCPA certification expiration date. Then log into your NCCPA account and request primary source verification sent to “Illinois IDFPR.”
A specific example answer. Marcus writes NCCPA ID 1234567, PANCE pass 05/22/2026, certification expires 12/31/2028.
A nuance or edge case. If you took PANCE but failed, you cannot apply for examination licensure until you pass; partial scores are not honored.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Forgetting to request and pay for the NCCPA verification through the NCCPA portal. IDFPR will not accept a screenshot, and your file stalls.
A misconception people hold about this field. Many filers think their school sends NCCPA verification. Only NCCPA can — it is an applicant-initiated request.
Section 6: Personal History (Character & Fitness Questions)
What the field asks in plain English. A series of “Yes/No” questions about criminal history, prior discipline, malpractice, mental health treatment that impairs practice, and substance use.
How to answer it. Answer every question truthfully. For any “Yes,” upload a personal written explanation plus certified court records, board orders, or settlement documents.
A specific example answer. Janet, an endorsement filer from Indiana, answers Yes to a 2018 misdemeanor DUI, uploads the certified disposition, and writes a one-page explanation describing her treatment and clean record since.
A nuance or edge case. Expunged or sealed records still must be disclosed when the question asks “have you ever,” because IDFPR’s fingerprint check sees sealed Illinois records.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Answering “No” to avoid embarrassment when court records exist. IDFPR’s fingerprint check will surface it, and falsification is itself grounds for denial under 225 ILCS 95/21.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think a “Yes” means automatic denial. It does not — IDFPR weighs rehabilitation, time elapsed, and relevance to PA practice.
Section 7: Fingerprint-Based Background Check
What the field asks in plain English. Confirmation that you have submitted Livescan fingerprints to an IDFPR-approved vendor.
How to answer it. Enter the Transaction Control Number (TCN) printed on your Livescan receipt and the vendor name (e.g., Accurate Biometrics, Fieldprint).
A specific example answer. Marcus enters TCN IL026-1234567 from Accurate Biometrics in Chicago.
A nuance or edge case. Out-of-state endorsement filers can use a vendor that transmits electronically to the Illinois State Police; ink cards from another state are not accepted.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Listing a vendor not on the IDFPR Livescan vendor list. Results never reach IDFPR and the file stalls indefinitely.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think prints from a hospital onboarding cover this. Hospital prints go to the FBI but not to IDFPR — they must be re-done.
Section 8: Endorsement Verification (Endorsement Filers Only)
What the field asks in plain English. Confirmation that every state where you have ever been licensed has sent IDFPR a Certification of Licensure.
How to answer it. List every U.S. jurisdiction where you have held a PA license, the license number, issue and expiration dates, and any discipline. Request Form A – Certification of Licensure from each state.
A specific example answer. Janet lists Indiana PA license #34567890, issued 07/01/2018, current, no discipline, and pays Indiana PLA $10 to mail Form A directly to IDFPR.
A nuance or edge case. If a state has retired your license, the verification must still come from the original board, not from a verification clearinghouse.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Forgetting a state where you held a student or temporary license. Omission is treated as falsification under 225 ILCS 95/21.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think NCCPA verification covers state licensure. It does not — Illinois requires direct state-to-state verification.
Section 9: Affidavit and Signature
What the field asks in plain English. Your sworn statement that everything in the application is true.
How to answer it. Type your full legal name in the e-signature box and click Sign and Submit. The portal date-stamps the signature.
A specific example answer. Aisha types AISHA M. JACKSON on 06/01/2026.
A nuance or edge case. If you spot an error after signing, you must contact IDFPR before the file is reviewed; you cannot edit a signed application.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Typing initials instead of full legal name. The portal accepts it, but reviewers reject the affidavit and require resubmission.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think e-signatures carry less weight than wet ink. Under 5 ILCS 175/, they are legally identical, including for perjury.
Section 10: Fee Payment
What the field asks in plain English. Pay the $300 initial application fee (or the renewal fee for renewals) by credit card.
How to answer it. Enter card data on the secure payment screen, save the receipt PDF, and screenshot the confirmation number.
A specific example answer. Marcus pays $300 with a Visa, prints the receipt, and emails it to himself.
A nuance or edge case. The fee is non-refundable, even if the license is denied. Endorsement filers sometimes also owe the $50 controlled substances fee if they apply for the Illinois CSL at the same time.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. Closing the browser before the receipt page loads. Without a confirmation number, IDFPR cannot match payment to file, and the file is held.
A misconception people hold about this field. Filers think a paid fee guarantees issuance. It does not — fees fund the review, not the outcome.
Section 11 (If Applicable): Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement
What the field asks in plain English. A separate filing by your collaborating physician giving IDFPR the legal proof you have a written collaborative agreement on file.
How to answer it. The collaborating physician completes the Physician Assistant Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement, lists the PA’s name and license number (or “pending”), and emails to FPR.MedicalUnit@illinois.gov.
A specific example answer. Dr. Patel lists Marcus T. Williams, PA-C under “Physician Assistant,” signs, and emails the form the day Marcus signs his offer letter.
A nuance or edge case. PAs employed exclusively in a hospital, hospital affiliate, or ambulatory surgical treatment center under 225 ILCS 95/7.7 are exempt from the written collaborative agreement requirement.
A common mistake on this field and its direct consequence. The PA starts work before IDFPR processes the notice. Under the form’s own warning, the PA “shall not perform any tasks or duties delegated by the collaborating physician until this form is completed and submitted.” Practice before processing is unauthorized practice.
A misconception people hold about this field. PAs assume they file this themselves. Only the collaborating physician signs and submits.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Each scenario below tracks one named filer through the entire application using the IDFPR Online Services Portal.
Scenario 1 – New Graduate (Marcus Williams, Chicago)
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Examination |
| Legal Name | WILLIAMS, MARCUS T. |
| DOB / SSN | 07/12/1999 / 123-45-6789 |
| Mailing Address | 2150 N. Clark St, Apt 4B, Chicago, IL 60614 |
| Education | Rosalind Franklin University, MS-PA, 05/2026 |
| NCCPA / PANCE | NCCPA 7654321, PANCE pass 05/22/2026 |
| Fingerprint TCN | IL026-1234567 (Accurate Biometrics) |
| Personal History | All No |
| Fee | $300 Visa, receipt #A-78912 |
| Collaborative Agreement | Dr. Anjali Patel, IL #036-098765, Northwestern Medicine |
Scenario 2 – Endorsement from Indiana (Janet Reyes)
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Endorsement |
| Legal Name | REYES, JANET M. |
| DOB / SSN | 11/03/1985 / 987-65-4321 |
| Mailing Address | 412 Maple Ave, Hammond, IN 46324 (will update on relocation) |
| Education | Butler University, MPAS, 05/2012 |
| NCCPA / PANCE | NCCPA 1112233, PANCE pass 07/14/2012, recert 12/2028 |
| Endorsement Verification | Indiana PA #34567890, Form A in transit |
| Personal History | Yes – 2018 DUI, certified court records uploaded |
| Fingerprint TCN | IL027-9988776 (Fieldprint Indianapolis – Illinois e-transmit) |
| Fee | $300 MasterCard, receipt #A-80055 |
Scenario 3 – Foreign-Trained Filer (Dr. Wei Chen Applying for PA Endorsement After NCCPA)
| Form Section | What Wei Enters |
|---|---|
| Application Type | Examination (first U.S. license) |
| Legal Name | CHEN, WEI |
| DOB / SSN | 02/28/1990 / 555-66-7777 |
| Mailing Address | 830 W. Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 |
| Education | George Washington University, MSHS-PA, 12/2025 |
| NCCPA / PANCE | NCCPA 9988776, PANCE pass 02/10/2026 |
| Foreign Credentials | ECFMG/EPIC verification of MD from Peking University, archived |
| Fingerprint TCN | IL026-2233445 (Accurate Biometrics) |
| Personal History | All No |
| Fee | $300 + $50 CSL, total $350, receipt #A-81120 |
How to File the Completed Form
The primary filing channel is the IDFPR Online Services Portal. Submission is instant, the system emails a confirmation number, and review starts in queue order. Pay the $300 initial application fee by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. Expected processing time is 4–6 weeks if the file is clean, longer if a deficiency letter issues. Save the PDF confirmation as your proof of filing.
Paper filings are limited to specific notices and petitions. Mail goes to IDFPR – Division of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786. Email-accepted filings (such as the Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement) go to FPR.MedicalUnit@illinois.gov. Fax submissions go to 217-524-2169. Paper filings have no fee for the collaborative agreement notice itself, but expect 4–6 weeks for processing per the form’s own instructions.
In-person filing is no longer routine for PA applications. The Springfield and Chicago IDFPR offices accept walk-ins for limited services, but applications are routed back to the online queue. Keep a screenshot of every confirmation page plus PDF copies of all attachments — this is your proof of filing if IDFPR loses any item.
For the Illinois Controlled Substances License, file through the same online portal after your PA license posts. The CSL fee is $5 per year prorated to the renewal cycle, payable by the same cards. Processing runs 2–4 weeks after the PA license issues.
What Happens After You File
Once submitted, the file enters the IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation review queue. A reviewer cross-checks NCCPA, the official transcript, fingerprint results from the Illinois State Police and FBI, and any state-to-state Form A. If anything is missing, IDFPR mails or emails a deficiency letter that lists the items needed and gives you 60 days to cure.
If the file is clean, IDFPR issues the license number electronically through the portal first, then mails the wall certificate to the address on file. Your license number begins with 085- for PAs. Verify the issuance instantly on the IDFPR License Lookup. Until the license posts, you cannot bill Medicare/Medicaid, hold a DEA registration, or treat patients in Illinois.
If discipline is uncovered or a personal history disclosure raises concern, the file may route to the Medical Disciplinary Board for review under 225 ILCS 95/21. Hearings can add months. Most clean files post in 4–6 weeks, while files with character review can take 3–6 months.
The license is valid until the next biennial renewal date — currently March 31 of even-numbered years for PAs under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.116. New licensees who are issued less than 12 months before that date still must renew on schedule, paying the full renewal fee.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using a preferred name instead of legal name. IDFPR’s name match fails and the file is returned in deficiency.
- Submitting an unofficial transcript. Only registrar-sent official transcripts count, so the file pauses until the school resends.
- Skipping NCCPA primary source verification. A screenshot of your NCCPA dashboard is rejected and adds 2–4 weeks.
- Listing a Livescan vendor not on the IDFPR list. Prints never reach IDFPR and the file sits indefinitely.
- Answering “No” to a personal history question with an existing record. Falsification is independent grounds for denial under 225 ILCS 95/21.
- Forgetting Form A from a prior state. Endorsement files cannot move forward without direct verification from each prior board.
- Practicing before the Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement is processed. Unauthorized practice triggers Class A misdemeanor exposure.
- Missing the renewal deadline. Late renewal incurs a $50 lapsed-fee penalty per 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.55 plus possible reinstatement requirements.
- Skipping mandatory CE. PAs must complete 50 CE hours every two years, including the implicit-bias, sexual-harassment, cultural-competency, and (if Schedule II prescribers) 10 hours of pharmacology per NetCE’s summary of Illinois rules.
- Closing the browser before the payment receipt loads. No receipt means IDFPR cannot match payment and holds the file.
- Using a work email for the portal account. Job changes lock you out at renewal.
- Forgetting to update the address within 14 days of moving. Renewal notices bounce and the license can lapse.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s – Do use your legal name exactly as printed on your Social Security card to clear name-match. – Do request NCCPA primary source verification before you start the application so it arrives in time. – Do schedule Livescan fingerprints with an IDFPR-approved vendor at least two weeks before you submit. – Do save PDF copies of every receipt and confirmation page for at least three years. – Do confirm your collaborating physician files the Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement before your start date because you cannot practice until processed. – Do disclose every prior license, even student or expired ones, to avoid falsification grounds.
Don’ts – Don’t enter a hospital address as your mailing address because mail will not follow you. – Don’t skip a personal history “Yes” because the fingerprint check sees expunged Illinois records. – Don’t pay duplicate fees if your file is in deficiency — the original payment stays attached. – Don’t try to apply by examination if your PANCE is more than six years old without recertifying. – Don’t list initials in the e-signature box because reviewers reject the affidavit. – Don’t forget to apply for the Illinois Controlled Substances License if your collaborating physician will delegate prescribing.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing on your own – Save the $200–$500 typical fee that licensure services charge. – Direct control of every field, attachment, and timeline. – Faster response when IDFPR sends a deficiency letter because you see it first. – Builds working knowledge of the IDFPR Online Services Portal for future renewals. – Full visibility into your own background record before it surfaces during review.
Cons of filing on your own – Higher chance of a deficiency letter for first-time filers unfamiliar with NCCPA verification timing. – No professional buffer if a prior discipline or arrest needs careful framing. – Time cost — most filers spend 6–10 hours gathering documents and answering history questions. – Easy to miss CE rule changes if you renew without an attorney or service. – Heavier downside risk for endorsement filers who must coordinate multiple states of Form A delivery.
Initial vs. Endorsement vs. Renewal at a Glance
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Initial (Examination) | First-time license within six years of PANCE pass; $300 fee; transcripts + NCCPA + fingerprints |
| Endorsement | Active out-of-state PA license; $300 fee; adds Form A from every prior state |
| Renewal | Filed every two years by March 31 of even years; biennial renewal fee plus 50 CE hours including 1-hour implicit bias, 1-hour sexual harassment, and Schedule II pharmacology if applicable per 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350.116 |
| Reinstatement | For lapsed licenses; paper petition to Springfield with restoration fee and CE proof |
Key Agencies and Statutes That Interact With This License
The IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation issues and disciplines PA licenses. The Illinois State Police and FBI run fingerprint-based background checks. The NCCPA is the sole source of certification verification. The Illinois Medical Disciplinary Board advises on character cases under 225 ILCS 95/21. For controlled substances, the Illinois Bureau of Pharmacy issues the CSL, and the DEA issues the federal registration after the CSL posts.
The two governing rule sets to memorize are the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987 (225 ILCS 95/) and the implementing rules at 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1350. The collaboration rules at 225 ILCS 95/7 cap a single physician at 7 full-time-equivalent PAs outside hospital settings, and the written collaborative agreement rule at 225 ILCS 95/7.5 lists every clause the agreement must contain.
FAQs
Is the Illinois PA license good in every state?
No. Each state issues its own PA license. Illinois licensure authorizes practice only inside Illinois unless the destination state recognizes endorsement under its own rules.
Do I have to enter my Social Security Number?
Yes. Under 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15, every Illinois professional license applicant must provide an SSN. Refusal blocks issuance.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Legal Name field?
Yes — write whichever name appears on your current Social Security card so IDFPR’s name-match clears on the first pass.
Can I list “Pending” for my NCCPA number if I have not received it yet?
No. IDFPR will not begin examination review without a valid NCCPA ID and primary source verification request on file.
Do I have to disclose an expunged misdemeanor in Section 6?
Yes. When the question asks “have you ever,” sealed and expunged Illinois records still must be disclosed to avoid falsification under 225 ILCS 95/21.
Can I use fingerprints from my hospital onboarding?
No. Hospital prints go to the FBI but not to IDFPR. You must use an IDFPR-approved Livescan vendor.
Can I start practicing the day my PA license posts?
No — not unless you work in a hospital, hospital affiliate, or ambulatory surgical treatment center. Outside those settings the Notice of Written Collaborative Agreement must also be on file.
Is the $300 application fee refundable if my license is denied?
No. Application fees fund the review and are non-refundable, even on denial or withdrawal.
Do I need a separate Illinois Controlled Substances License?
Yes — if your collaborating physician delegates prescriptive authority for controlled substances, you must hold a separate Illinois CSL before a federal DEA registration is possible.
How many CE hours do I need each renewal?
Yes, the rule is set: 50 hours every two years, including 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention, 1 hour of implicit bias, plus cultural competency and Alzheimer’s/dementia hours on the schedules listed at NetCE.
Do I need extra pharmacology CE if I prescribe Schedule II drugs?
Yes. PAs with Schedule II prescriptive authority must complete 10 hours of pharmacology every two years in addition to the 50-hour requirement.
Can my collaborating physician supervise more than one PA?
Yes. Under 225 ILCS 95/7, a collaborating physician may collaborate with up to 7 full-time-equivalent PAs outside hospital settings.
Do I need a written collaborative agreement if I work only in a hospital?
No. Under 225 ILCS 95/7.7, PAs employed in hospitals, hospital affiliates, or ambulatory surgical treatment centers are exempt from the written collaborative agreement requirement.
Do I have to write my address in ALL CAPS?
Yes. IDFPR’s portal stores all address data in uppercase, so entering ALL CAPS prevents an automatic system rewrite that can scramble unit numbers.
What if I move after I file but before the license posts?
Yes, update it inside the IDFPR Online Services Portal within 14 days, and email FPR.MedicalUnit@illinois.gov with your application confirmation number.
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