Illinois will no longer send paper renewal notices and paper licenses to professionals in a move to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced Tuesday that paperless licensing is estimated to save nearly $3 million in postage, paper and printing costs during the next five years.
Illinois professionals including pharmacists, optometrists and real estate brokers are being encouraged to renew their licenses electronically, rather than by mail.
Most professionals already use a credit or debit card to renew their licenses online. But the department estimates 10 percent to 20 percent of license renewals are sent with a check and a paper application.
Licensees are urged to visit the department's online address change website to provide a current email address.