Renewing An Expired Real Estate License

Real Estate License’ expire, this is a fact of life. Whether we choose to let it expire, or just lack of attention on our part, an expired license can cause you a lot of headaches. If your real estate license expires you will not be able to list, sell or show properties until it is renewed.

The first step in renewing your real estate license is to contact your State Licensing Department. They will advise you of any penalties, late fees or fines that apply and will need to be included with your license renewal payment.

Secondly, you will need to complete your mandatory continuing education credits needed for your renewal, if you license has been inactive for more than a year, you may need additional classes, or you may be required to retake the State Licensing Examination.

Next you will need to speak with your Broker, as he/she will need to sign off on your license renewal certificate. Your Broker may also have additional educational requirements that you need to fulfill.

Mailing or hand delivering your license renewal form and continuing education credits to your State License department with payment for the renewal including any penalties and/or fees. I suggest if at all possible to hand deliver the renewal, as it will be processed while you wait (in most States) and your new license will be in your hands immediately. If however it is not feasible to hand deliver your license renewal, we suggest mailing it priority mail with return receipt requested, this will give you proof of delivery.

Once you have your new real estate license we suggest you follow up by speaking with your local Association of Realtors, and the Multiple Listing Service, to verify that you are still active on their records, and that the laps in license has not generated any fees or fines with either of these agencies.

You are once again a licensed real estate agent, but it wasn’t all fun and games getting to this point, and can in fact be a costly mistake. Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to make sure that you stay licensed in the future.

• Do – Note your Real Estate License Expiration date in your appointments (PDA, Black Berry, Day Runner, etc.) with a reminder 1 month prior to expiration.
• Do – Look for and take continuing education classes throughout the year, waiting until the last minute is a headache that you don’t want or need.
• Do – Set aside money to cover your license renewal, dues, fees, etc. from every commission check. That way when it’s due, you aren’t in a panic because you’ve over extended your bank account.
• Do – As soon as your License renewal paperwork comes in, fill it in and send it back to the state. No mess, no worry and no lapse in license make it business as usual.
• Do – Make a file to keep your clock hour paperwork handy and easily retrievable so you don’t have to spend hours looking for that little slip of paper the night before your license renewal is due…
• Don’t expect your office manager, or staff to keep your continuing hours records, and/or remind you of your licensing deadlines…Some times things just get missed, and it is your business…

Please be sure to check our homepage for more information on getting your real estate license!