What happens when you ignore IDFPR deadlines...

[Art Maydan]

I completed my 12 hours CE before April 30. I went to renew my license through the IDFPR site and it showed me a "There are no licenses available to renew" message where the renewal is supposed to be. I was in the middle of switching brokerages and my old managing broker said I had to suspend real estate activities after April 30 until the license was renewed. I figured, 'No big deal.' I sold my property management company 8 months ago and am just now getting back to brokerage, so I didn't care. I'm not working with any clients right now. Anyway, I'm with my new managing broker now. I didn't want to call IDFPR while switching brokers so as not to complicate things. So I call today and they tell me my license will need to be "reinstated" and it's going to be a week-long wait just to speak to a "senior agent" about this. Has anyone gone through the reinstatement process before? What is it? Am I going to have to retake the exam or something? Was this lady correct for sure or should I try other agents? Lesson learned on taking IDFPR deadlines not very seriously, I suppose..