How Do You Renew Your Texas Real Estate License After It Expires?
If you're a licensed real estate agent or broker in Texas, keeping your license active is the only way you can keep doing your job. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires all licensees to complete specific renewal steps every two years. Whether you're renewing for the first time or are a seasoned professional, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to stay compliant, avoid late fees, and keep your business running smoothly.
When Is My Texas Real Estate License Renewal Due?
Your Texas real estate license must be renewed every two years. The expiration date is the 24-month anniversary of your license issue date. You can submit your renewal application as early as 90 days before it expires. While TREC typically sends out a renewal reminder, you are ultimately responsible for renewing on time, even if you don’t receive a notice.
What Do I Need To Renew My License In Texas?
To renew your Texas real estate license, you need to:
- Take your required renewal courses from a TREC-approved course provider such as Agent Campus by 360training
- Submit the course completion documents to TREC
- Wait at least 10 days to allow your credits to be processed
- Submit your renewal application to TREC with your renewal fee
If you don't leave at least 10 days between your SAE/CE submission and your renewal application, then you run the risk of your credits not being on record yet. Without your credits on the record, your application will be treated like you haven't taken CE at all.
Due to this 10-day gap, you need to complete your CE at least 10 days before your expiration date if you want to avoid an interruption of your practice.
Aside from minding the gap, the most complicated part of the renewal process in Texas is making sure you take the right courses. So, what are they? Let’s find out.
First-Time Renewal Requirements: Sales Apprentice Education (SAE)
If you're renewing your license for the first time, you're required to complete 98 credit hours:
- 90 hours of SAE courses (three 30-hour courses)
- 8 hours of Legal Update I and II (4 hours each)
All courses must be taken from a TREC-approved provider. SAE courses are not eligible for CE deferral, so you must complete and submit them before your license can be renewed. If applicable, you may also be required to take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course, bringing the total to 104 hours.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
For second and subsequent renewals, Texas real estate licensees must complete 18 hours of CE. These hours must include the following:
Standard CE Breakdown:
- Legal Update I – 4 hours
- Legal Update II – 4 hours
- Contracts – 3 hours
- Elective Courses – 7 hours
If You’re Required to Take Broker Responsibility:
- Legal Update I – 4 hours
- Legal Update II – 4 hours
- Contracts – 3 hours
- Broker Responsibility – 6 hours
- Elective – 1 hour
Make sure all courses are approved for the appropriate licensing cycle (e.g., 2024–2025), as Legal Update courses are revised every two years. The latest version should be clearly labeled with the relevant year.
Do I Need the Broker Responsibility Course?
You must take the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course if:
- You're a broker who sponsors one or more agents
- You’re the designated broker for a business entity
- You’ve been a delegated supervisor for at least 6 months
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to take the course anyway. If not required, the hours can count toward your elective credit.
How to Renew Online with TREC
To renew your license online:
- Complete your required CE or SAE with a TREC-approved provider
- Submit your course completion records to TREC
- Wait at least 10 days for your education credits to process
- Submit your renewal application and pay the required fee online via the TREC website
To avoid delays or license interruptions, complete your CE at least 10 days before your license expires.
What If I Miss the Deadline?
We get it, sometimes, life happens. If you miss your license renewal deadline, your path forward will depend on how long your license has been expired:
Up to 6 months after expiration:
- You can renew by paying a late fee. You cannot practice real estate during this period unless you file for CE Deferral (only available for second+ renewals).
More than 6 months but less than 2 years:
- You must apply for reinstatement.
2 years or more past expiration:
- You'll need to reapply for a license and meet all current application requirements.
CE Deferral and Inactive Renewal Options
If you're unable to complete your CE hours before the renewal deadline, you may still have options to avoid a full license lapse:
- Inactive Renewal: You can renew your license on inactive status and complete CE later. You won’t be able to practice until your license is reactivated.
- CE Deferral (Second+ Renewals Only): Pay a deferral fee to remain active while completing CE within 60 days. After 60 days, you’ll owe an additional $250, and your license may become inactive.
Tips to Avoid Renewal Delays
The last thing you need is to have your license lapse and be unable to continue with your dream job. To keep your renewal process as smooth as possible, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your education.
- Allow 10 days between finishing your CE/SAE and submitting your renewal application.
- Make sure all courses are TREC-approved and valid for the applicable licensing cycle.
Need to Renew? Start Today!
Don’t let missing hours or looming deadlines put your license at risk. Our easy-to-access, mobile-friendly continuing education courses are fully approved by TREC and designed for busy real estate professionals like you. From SAE to CE, including Legal Updates, Contracts, and Broker Responsibility, we’ve got the courses you need to renew with confidence.
Browse our online real estate education packages today and stay on track for a successful year!
