Posted On: January 16, 2025

How To Renew Your Real Estate License

Renewing your real estate license can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! Whether you're looking to refresh your knowledge or simply ensure compliance with state requirements, this blog is here to help.

We’ll break down the renewal process step-by-step, providing you with the information you need to successfully renew your license. From understanding continuing education requirements to knowing what forms to submit, you’ll be ready to navigate the renewal process with confidence.

General Steps for Renewing a Real Estate License

Check Renewal Requirements: The first step is to review the renewal requirements for your state. This information can usually be found on your state's real estate commission website.
Complete Continuing Education Courses: Most states require real estate agents to complete a certain number of continuing education hours before renewing their licenses. These courses cover various topics related to the real estate industry, such as fair housing laws, contract law, and technology.
Pay Renewal Fees: You will need to pay a renewal fee to the state real estate commission. The fee amount may vary depending on your state and any additional fees or assessments that may apply.
Submit Required Documentation: In some cases, you may need to submit additional documentation, such as proof of continuing education completion or a current background check.

Example: Renewing a Real Estate License in Texas

To get a better understanding of renewing a real estate license, let’s use Texas as an example.

Continuing Education Requirements:

In Texas, real estate agents must complete 15 hours of continuing education courses every two years. These courses must be approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).

Renewal Fees:

The renewal fee for a Texas real estate license varies depending on the type of license and whether you are renewing early or late. You can find the current renewal fees on the TREC website.

Required Documentation:

To renew your Texas real estate license, you will need to submit the following documentation:

Completed renewal application
Proof of continuing education completion
Payment of renewal fees

Additional Considerations

Late Renewal: If you fail to renew your license on time, you may be subject to late fees or penalties. In some cases, your license may be suspended or revoked.
License Expiration: If your license expires, you will need to reapply for a new license and meet all the requirements for new licensees.

How Much Does It Cost To Renew Your Real Estate License?

The cost of renewing your real estate license varies by state and may depend on factors such as the type of license you hold and whether you are renewing early or late.

What Happens if My License Expires?

If your real estate license expires, you will no longer be able to practice as a real estate agent. You may need to reapply for a new license and meet all the requirements for new licensees.

How Many Hours of Continuing Education Do You Need for Real Estate?

The number of continuing education hours required for real estate license renewal varies by state. However, most states require between 15 and 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

Here’s a closer look at the required hours of continuing education you need by state:

Alabama: 15 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours of risk management.
Alaska: 20 hours every 2 years, including 8 hours of required curriculum.
Arizona: 24 hours for agents, 30 hours for brokers every 2 years, including Commissioner's Rules requirements.
Arkansas: 7 hours annually after first renewal, 4 hours mandatory.
California: 45 hours every 4 years, including 5 mandatory topics and consumer protection.
Colorado: 24 hours every 3 years, including 3 annual update courses.
Connecticut: 12 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours mandatory.
District of Columbia: 15 hours every 2 years, 12 hours mandatory.
Delaware: 21 hours every 2 years, including 18 hours specific coursework and 3 hours elective.
Florida: 14 hours every 18-24 months, including 3 hours core law and 3 hours ethics.
Georgia: 36 hours every 4 years, including 3 hours license law.
Hawaii: 20 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours required coursework.
Idaho: 2 Idaho Commission Core courses + 12 elective hours, plus 12 hours post-license for first renewal.
Illinois: 12 hours every renewal after first, including 4-hour core course.
Indiana: 12 hours every CE year (July-June).
Iowa: 8-hour Law Update, 4-hour Ethics, 24 hours electives every 3 years, 12 hours live instruction.
Kansas: 12 hours every 2 years, including 3-hour core course.
Kentucky: 6 hours annually, 3 hours law credits. Every 4 years, Kentucky Core Course.
Louisiana: 12 hours annually, including mandatory course(s).
Maine: 21 hours every 2 years, including 3-hour mandatory course.
Maryland: 15 hours every 3 years, varying mandatory courses.
Massachusetts: 12 hours every 2 years.
Michigan: 18 hours every 3 years, including 2 hours legal credits per year.
Minnesota: 30 hours every 2 years, 15 hours each license year, 1 hour agency laws, 1 hour fair housing.
Mississippi: 16 hours every 2 years, including 8 hours mandatory, 2 hours license law, 2 hours contract law, 4 hours agency law.
Missouri: 12 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours core curriculum.
Montana: 12 hours annually.
Nebraska: 18 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours required topics.
Nevada: 36 hours every 2 years, 18 hours mandatory, 18 hours live instruction.
New Hampshire: 15 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours mandatory.
New Jersey: 12 hours every 2 years, including 6 hours core categories, 2 hours ethics, 1 hour fair housing.
New Mexico: 36 hours for Associate Brokers, 42 hours for Qualifying Brokers, 20-30 hours mandatory, 4-hour NMREC Core Course annually, 4-hour ethics course, 4-hour core elective, 6-hour refresher for Qualifying Brokers, 6-hour course for Property Management.
New York: 22.5 hours every 2 years, including implicit bias, cultural competency, fair housing, agency law, ethical business practices, legal matters.
North Carolina: 8 hours annually, including 4-hour Update course.
North Dakota: 12 hours annually, including 3 hours contract law, 3 hours agency law for brokers/associate brokers.
Ohio: 30 hours every 3 years, including 12 hours mandatory.
Oklahoma: 21 hours every 3 years, including 6 hours core subjects.
Oregon: 30 hours every 2 years, including 3-hour Law and Rule course.
Pennsylvania: 14 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours mandatory.
Rhode Island: 24 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours fair housing, 6 hours mandatory.
South Carolina: 10 hours every 2 years, including 4 hours mandatory, 4 hours BIC Duties and Responsibilities for Brokers in Charge.
South Dakota: 24 hours every 2 years, including 12 hours required, post-license for new Broker Associates.
Tennessee: 16 hours every 2 years, including 6-hour core course.
Texas: 18 hours every 2 years, including 8 hours TREC Legal Update courses, 3-hour Contracts course, 6-hour Broker Responsibility course (only for sponsoring brokers and supervisory sales agents), 7 elective hours if not needing Broker Responsibility, 1 elective hour if needing Broker Responsibility.
Utah: 18 hours every 2 years, including 3-hour mandatory course and 6 hours core topics.
Vermont: 16 hours every 2 years, including 4 hours mandatory.
Virginia: 16 hours for salespersons, 24 hours for brokers every 2 years, including post-license education for first-time renewals.
Washington: 30 hours every 2 years, including 3 hours mandatory.
West Virginia: 7 hours annually.
Wisconsin: 18 hours every 2 years, including 6 3-hour courses.
Wyoming: 45 hours every 3 years for sales agents/associate brokers, 53 hours for Responsible Brokers, including 24-32 hours mandatory.

Renew Your License With AgentCampus

Renewing your real estate license is a straightforward process that involves completing continuing education courses, paying renewal fees, and submitting required documentation. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and understanding the specific requirements for your state, you can ensure that your license remains active and that you are able to continue practicing as a real estate agent.

To get started, visit AgentCampus by 360training and purchase the necessary pre-licensing or continuing education courses to meet your renewal requirements. Head to our website to get started today!