Application Fee: $100 | Format: Online

This guide will walk you through applying for your Illinois Dietitian-Nutritionist license on your own. The process is straightforward, and we'll break it down step by step.

Illinois uses the IDFPR-CORE online portal for license applications. Here's what you'll need:

📋 Documents to gather:

• Copy of your current CDR card

• License verification from your first state of licensure (if you hold licenses in other states)

• Name change documents (if applicable)

💡 Key points:

• The application is completed entirely online

• You'll need to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) using your phone

• Your CDR card satisfies multiple requirements (education, examination, and experience)

• Most documents can be screenshots from public licensing portals

Before you start your application, collect these items:

Current CDR Card

Your CDR card serves as proof of:

• Education (dietetics degree)

• Examination (passing the RD exam)

• Experience (supervised practice)

Make sure you have a clear copy saved on your computer.

License Verification

You'll need verification from the first state where you were licensed as a Dietitian.

Good news: Most states have public license lookup portals. You can:

1. Visit your state's licensing board website

2. Look up your license

3. Take a screenshot showing your name, issue date, expiration date, and disciplinary status

4. Save this screenshot to upload

Name Change Documentation

If your legal name has changed, you'll need one of these:

• Marriage certificate

• Divorce decree

• Court order

• Legal affidavit

1. Go to IDFPR-CORE

2. Click "Sign Up"

Enter the following:

• Email Address: Use an email you check regularly

• First and Last Name: Your legal name

• Address: Your current residential address

• Phone Number: Your mobile number (you'll need this for MFA)

• Password: Create a strong password

⚠️ Password Tip: Your password cannot contain any part of your username/email. Create something unique and secure.

After creating your account, you'll be prompted to set up authentication:

1. Select "Phone" as your authentication method

2. Enter your mobile phone number

3. You'll receive a text message with a verification code

4. Enter the code to complete setup

💡 Important: You'll need your phone to log in each time, so keep your mobile number up to date.

1. Go to IDFPR-CORE and log in

2. Enter the verification code sent to your phone

3. Click "Apply"

4. In the search box, type "Dietitian"

5. Select "Dietitian Nutritionist Initial Application" and click "Apply"

You'll see a page with application instructions:

• Read through the overview

• Select "Yes" to confirm you've read and understood

• Click "Next"

The application has multiple sections. Take your time with each one.

• Answer whether you qualify for military service benefits

• If you're unsure, you can select "Decline to answer"

• Click "Next"

• Indicate whether you currently hold RD licenses in other states

• Provide accurate information about your licensure status

• Click "Next"

Select your application method:

• Endorsement: If you hold or have held licenses in other states

• Other methods: If Illinois will be your first state license

Most RDs will select Endorsement.

Enter your personal information:

• "I am applying": Select "On behalf of myself"

• Social Security Number: Enter your SSN

• Information sharing: Select "I do not consent to have my information shared with professional organizations"

• Click "Next"

1. Click "Add"

2. Enter your phone number

3. For "Allow Text Messaging" select "No" (to avoid marketing texts)

4. Click "Save" then "Next"

1. Select "Residential Address"

2. Click "Add"

3. Enter your current address

4. If the address doesn't auto-populate, select "Manually Enter"

5. Click "Save" then "Next"

1. Click "Add"

2. Enter the same email you used to create your account

3. Click "Save" then "Next"

1. Select "Yes" for professional certification

2. Click "Upload" and select your CDR card

3. Click "Next"

✅ Time Saver: Your CDR card satisfies education, examination, AND experience requirements all at once!

Only complete this section if you hold or have held licenses in other states.

1. Click "Add"

2. Enter license information for the first state where you were licensed:

   • State name

   • License number

   • Issue and expiration dates

3. Upload your license verification (screenshot from that state's public portal)

4. Click "Save" then "Next"

• Select "Yes" if you've only ever held one license

• Select "No" if you've been licensed in multiple states over time

• Click "Next"

Answer all questions about your professional background honestly:

• Disciplinary actions

• Criminal history

• License denials or restrictions

Most RDs will answer "No" to all questions.

Read the attestations and check the boxes to agree.

1. Enter your First Name and Last Name

2. This serves as your electronic signature

3. Click "Next"

1. Carefully review all information you've entered

2. Check that all documents uploaded correctly

3. Make any necessary corrections

4. Click "Pay Now"

1. Click "Proceed to Payment"

2. You'll be directed to a secure payment window

3. Enter your credit/debit card information:

   • Card number

   • Expiration date

   • CVV code

   • Billing address

4. Review the payment amount ($100)

5. Click "Submit"

You'll receive a confirmation email. Save this for your records.

Use this checklist to stay organized:

• Gathered copy of current CDR card

• Gathered license verification from first state (if applicable)

• Gathered name change documents (if applicable)

• Created IDFPR-CORE account

• Set up multi-factor authentication

• Completed all application sections

• Uploaded all required documents

• Reviewed application for accuracy

• Submitted payment ($100)

• Received confirmation email

After you submit:

1. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will review your application

2. They'll verify all documents and information

3. Once approved, you'll receive your license

Check your status: Log into your IDFPR-CORE account anytime to see your application status.

Processing time: Varies based on application volume and completeness of your submission.

What if I forget my password?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You'll receive reset instructions via email.

What if I change my phone number?

Log into your account and update your phone number in your profile settings before your next login.

What if my name changed after I was first licensed?

Include name change documentation with your application so the board can match your current name to your original license.

Can I save my application and finish it later?

Yes! The system saves your progress. You can log out and return to complete it later.

What if I'm applying for my very first RD license?

You'll still follow these steps, but you won't need to provide license verifications from other states.

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

📞 Phone: 1-888-473-4858

📍 Mailing Addresses:

Chicago Office

555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL 60661

Springfield Office

320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor

Springfield, IL 62786

• IDFPR-CORE Portal

• CORE Application Process Overview

• CORE New User Account Guide

You've got this! The Illinois application process is straightforward when you follow these steps. If you have questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to the licensing board for assistance.