Renewing your Texas real estate license every two years is essential for your business. This guide will walk you through the renewal process, detailing the education requirements and the steps to submit your application so you can continue helping clients without interruption.
Key takeaways
- Renew on time: Texas real estate licenses must be renewed every two years, and you can begin the process about 90 days before your expiration date.
- Meet education requirements: Most agents need 18 hours of continuing education, while first-time renewals require completion of the Sales Apprentice Education (SAE).
- Know what applies to you: Requirements vary for sales agents, brokers, and supervisors. Make sure you complete the correct courses.
- Use the REALM portal: Submit your renewal application and ensure your education is reported to TREC through the online system.
- Avoid delays and extra fees: Complete your education early and renew before your expiration date to stay active and avoid penalties.
Understanding the renewal process
Your Texas real estate license is valid for two years. If you don’t renew it on time, you can’t legally practice real estate, which means you can’t earn commissions.
The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) will send you a renewal notice about 90 days before your license expires. You cannot renew your license until you receive this official notice.
Continuing education requirements
You must complete specific continuing education (CE) courses before you renew. Please note that you won’t receive credit for a course if you’ve already taken a similar one within the last two years.
Sales agents
As an active sales agent, you must complete 18 hours of approved CE courses to renew your license. Your 18 hours must include:
- 8 hours of TREC Legal Update I and II
- 3 hours of contract-related coursework
- 7 hours of elective CE courses
If your broker has appointed you as a supervisor, you’ll need to complete the 6-hour Broker Responsibility course as part of your 18 hours of continuing education.
Brokers
As a real estate broker, you must also renew your license every two years. To renew an active broker license, you must complete 18 hours of approved CE courses, including:
- 8 hours of TREC Legal Update I and II
- 6-hour Broker Responsibility Course (required if you supervise agents)
- The remaining hours can be completed with approved electives, including contract-related coursework.
First-time renewal requirements for sales agents
If you’re renewing your license for the first time, you must complete Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) requirements. These cannot be deferred, and your license will not renew until they are completed.
Before renewing, you must have the following education posted to your license record:
- 90 hours of qualifying SAE courses, including the required 30-hour Real Estate Brokerage course
- 4 hours of TREC Legal Update I
- 4 hours of TREC Legal Update II
- 6-hour Broker Responsibility course (if you have been made a supervisor by your broker)
In total, TREC requires 270 qualifying real estate course hours plus 8 hours of Legal Update courses. This total includes the 180 hours of pre-license education you already completed, meaning most agents will complete an additional 98 hours of education for their first renewal.
Submitting CE hours
Ensure your CE is reported to the TREC. Most real estate education providers report automatically, though you may need to upload certificates in some cases.
Renewal application process
Renewing your license is a straightforward process.
You can renew once your renewal window opens (about 90 days before expiration) and you receive notification from TREC.
- Ensure all your continuing education requirements are met and submitted to TREC.
- Log into the REALM portal. If you have not renewed online before, you will need to create an account first.
- Submit your renewal application and fee online no later than your expiration date.
Fees and payment
Understanding the costs associated with your renewal will help you budget appropriately and avoid surprise late fees.
Standard Renewal Fees (On-Time):
- Sales Agent: $110
- Broker: $218
Late Renewal Fees (Up to 90 Days Late):
- Sales Agent: $143
- Broker: $254
Additional Fees:
- CE Deferral Fee: If you renew an active license but do not complete your Continuing Education (CE) before the expiration date, you’ll be charged a $200 fee. This allows you to remain active for an additional 60 days to complete your CE.
- Late Renewal Status: If you renew late (up to six months after your expiration date), your license will be renewed on inactive status. You may not defer CE with a late renewal.
Fees are subject to change; check TREC for current pricing.
Fingerprinting and background checks
Maintaining your clients’ trust means keeping up with state background check requirements.
If your fingerprints are not already on file with the TREC, you will need to get them done for a criminal background check. This is a mandatory step to ensure all active real estate professionals meet Texas’s ethical and legal standards. There’s a $37 fee for fingerprinting.
Renewal for active vs inactive licenses
Your renewal procedure depends entirely on your current license status.
Active sales agents must complete all education requirements to keep practicing. On the other hand, you may renew your license on inactive status without completing any continuing education. Just remember that you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activity while your license is inactive.
FAQs and troubleshooting
What happens if my license expires?
You may renew your license up to six months after the expiration date. After six months and up to two years past the expiration date, you may apply for reinstatement. If more than two years pass, you will have to completely reapply and pass the examination again.
Can I defer my education if I am late?
You may not defer your CE with a late renewal. The $200 deferral fee only applies if you renew on time but have not finished your courses.
Tips for timely renewal
Staying organized is the best way to ensure a stress-free renewal experience.
Use this simple checklist to keep yourself on track:
- Mark your calendar 90 days before your expiration date so you know when to expect your notice. Contact the TREC if you don’t receive it.
- Enroll in your required continuing education courses early.
- Complete your classes at least 10 days before your expiration date.
- Upload all certificates to the REALM portal immediately upon completion. Note: most education providers report CE automatically, but you may need to upload certificates in certain cases.
- Pay your fees online before the expiration date to avoid the $200 deferral charge.
Start your renewal process today
With a little preparation and a clear understanding of the guidelines, renewing your real estate license in Texas is a straightforward process.
Ready to take the next step in your career? With a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership, you gain unlimited access to our full suite of TREC-approved continuing education courses and career-advancing tools. Our membership is more than just meeting requirements. It’s your all-access pass to career growth, helping you stay competitive and succeed in the industry.
