How Long Does a Real Estate License Last?
You’re the proud owner of a shiny, newly minted real estate license. You’ve got a lot of work ahead of you to build your career, and maintaining an active license can be easy to overlook. But arguably, it’s the most important thing to plan ahead for.
So, how long is your real estate license valid? How do you know when it expires? And what will you need to do to renew it before the deadline? Continue reading to find out.
Understanding Your Renewal Terms
When you’re seeking to understand your state’s rules for real estate license duration, expiry, and education requirements, there are a few distinctions you should be aware of.
First, make sure you’re checking the deadline, expiration date, and continuing education requirements for the level of license you possess. In most states, the initial level of licensing is called sales or salesperson, while the advanced level is a broker’s license. In a few states, “broker” is the initial license, and the next level is called a managing or supervising broker.
Secondly, a few states have separate rules for your first renewal as a certain level of licensee. Your “initial” renewal as a broker or salesperson may have one set of requirements, while “subsequent” renewals require something else. Double-check that you’re aware of the requirements that will apply to you.
How Long Is a Real Estate License Valid?
Real estate license duration varies by state. Most real estate licenses are valid for two years, but renewal periods are sometimes as short as one.
California and Georgia have the longest license renewal for real estate at four years, while eight states have a three-year license period: Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, and West Virginia require real estate licensees to renew their licenses every year.
The remaining 33 states are on a two-year cycle.
When Does a Real Estate License Expire?
As with real estate license duration, every state has different rules for the expiry of a real estate license.
Most states set a single expiration date for all licensees. This may be the end of the calendar year, the end of the fiscal year, or an arbitrary but universal date.
Some states base your renewal deadline on the anniversary of your license issuance. The expiry may simply be the issuance date, as is the case in Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington state. In other cases, the expiry date is tied to the issuance date but not identical to it. For example, the expiration date in Utah and Virginia is the end of the month in which the original license was issued.
A few states spread out their expiration dates based on some individual attribute. Idaho, Massachusetts, and New Mexico base the expiry of a real estate license on the licensee’s birth month, and Kansas bases it on the first letter of your last name.
No matter what system your state uses, it’s important to know the rules and mark your calendar so that you don’t let your license expire.
Consequences of License Expiry
What happens if you let your license lapse or expire? You can probably guess at this point that the answer will depend on your state.
In all states, your license becomes inactive or suspended once your expiration date passes – in other words, you lose your livelihood until you complete the renewal steps. It’s also likely you’ll owe a late fee when you do renew. Some states also make you pay a penalty in the meantime.
Most states allow some kind of grace period after expiration to get back on track. This may be as little as a few months (as in Mississippi and Louisiana), but the majority of states give you a year or two. A few states are very generous and allow a five- or six-year grace period.
Minnesota and North Dakota have the strictest real estate license expiry rules – if you miss your deadline, you cannot renew. These states force you to reapply for a real estate license like you’re a new applicant if you miss your deadline. You’ll even need to retake your pre-license education and real estate exam.
Real Estate Renewal Requirements and Process
Generally speaking, each state has three steps for real estate license renewal. You must:
- Complete the required education
- Pay your renewal fee
- Submit a renewal application with proof you’ve done the above
All states require these three steps, but some states may have additional requirements for license renewal for real estate – be sure to review your state’s rules carefully.
Continuing Education for Real Estate License Renewal
All states require you to complete some form of education for each renewal.
In most cases, your license renewal will require a certain number of continuing education credits from approved education providers. States typically set certain required courses plus some amount of elective education. These electives must still be on approved topics from an authorized provider like us.
Some states have a post-license education requirement for your initial renewal as a licensee. In Florida and Texas, salesperson post-license requirements take the place of continuing education for your first renewal. In Georgia and Washington, you must complete your post-license education by a certain deadline in addition to meeting continuing education requirements before your license expires.
Proactive Steps to Ensure Timely License Renewal
To ensure you renew your real estate license on time, you’ll need to take a few steps.
The first step is to learn about the renewal process, including your state’s requirements. This is the step you’re currently on!
Secondly, you need to plan ahead.
Know your continuing education requirements and plan when you’re going to take them. Some people like to spread them out across the year, while others like to take them all at once during a slow period. Either way, taking your renewal education online can be the most comfortable and efficient way to get it done. You’ll be able to take the courses at the best time and place for you and study at your own pace.
Either way, take your continuing education courses well ahead of the deadline and don’t procrastinate. Plan to complete your courses at least two weeks ahead of the expiry date to allow your courses to be reported to your real estate board before your license expires.
Mark your calendar with all applicable license renewal deadlines and set multiple reminders.
Some states say you can’t renew your license until they send you a reminder, but we recommend that you don’t wait passively. Know your deadline, know when you should expect the renewal paperwork in the mail, and mark your calendar so that you’re expecting it. This will save you some heartache if your notice gets lost in the mail or it gets buried in junk mail.
Real Estate License Education and Renewal With Agent Campus
The real estate license renewal process doesn’t have to be stressful. As you navigate the timelines and requirements to keep your license active, consider the convenience and flexibility offered by online education providers. Platforms like Agent Campus by 360training offer comprehensive real estate pre-license and continuing education courses that not only meet state-specific requirements but also empower you to stay ahead in your professional journey. Investing in these courses not only ensures that you fulfill the necessary educational components but also equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the real estate industry confidently. Stay licensed, stay informed, and propel your career forward with Agent Campus by 360training today!
