Keeping your Arkansas real estate license active means staying on top of continuing education and renewal deadlines. If you’re approaching your renewal date, you might be wondering about the requirements, costs, and steps involved. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you understand what’s needed. Whether you’re a salesperson, broker, or principal broker, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to renew your Arkansas real estate license for 2026 with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Complete 7 Hours of CE Annually: Arkansas requires 7 hours of continuing education each year to maintain an active license, including 1 mandatory hour and 6 elective hours.
- Renew by December 31: Your license expires on December 31 each year, so plan ahead to complete your CE and submit your renewal application before the deadline.
- Save with Early Renewal: Renew by September 30 to save money, with lower fees for both salespersons and brokers than with late renewals.
- Use the AREC Online Portal: The Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) offers an online renewal system for licenses, making the process quick and convenient.
- Choose Approved CE Providers: Ensure your continuing education courses are approved by AREC to count toward renewal.
Understanding Continuing Education Requirements
Before you can renew your Arkansas real estate license, you’ll need to fulfill your continuing education obligations. The state requires all active licensees to complete seven hours of continuing education each year. This requirement applies to salespersons, brokers, and principal brokers alike.
Arkansas Real Estate Commission (AREC) guidelines
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission oversees all real estate licensing and education in the state. According to AREC regulations, your seven annual CE hours must include one mandatory hour and six elective hours. These courses must be completed through AREC-approved providers to count toward your renewal.
It’s important to note that if you’re obtaining a license in the current year, you won’t need to complete CE for your first renewal. The continuing education requirement begins with your second active license renewal after you’re initially licensed.
Different License Types and Their CE Requirements
Salespersons
Arkansas salespersons need 7 hours of continuing education (CE) each year to renew an active license (per the Arkansas Real Estate Commission).
Newly licensed salespersons must also complete a separate 18-hour post-license education requirement. This is due by the end of the month that falls six months after your initial license date.
Important: Post-license education is separate from CE. Completing the 18-hour post-license requirement does not automatically count as your annual CE for renewal purposes. You should track post-license and CE requirements as separate requirements with distinct deadlines.
Brokers
Brokers follow the same seven-hour annual CE requirement as salespersons. However, newly licensed brokers must complete 30 hours of post-license education within six months of initial licensure. This requirement must be satisfied before you can advance to executive or principal broker status.
Principal Brokers and Executive Brokers
Principal brokers and executive brokers are held to the same seven-hour annual CE standard. If you’re seeking to become an executive or principal broker, make sure you’ve completed your post-license education requirements first.
Inactive License Holders
If your license was on inactive status at the end of the previous year, you have the option to renew it online. When transferring from inactive to active status, you’ll need to show that you completed your continuing education hours either during the year you’re activating your license or during the preceding calendar year.
Consider using a trusted provider like Colibri Real Estate, which offers state-approved continuing education courses for Arkansas licensees. With a Colibri Real Estate CE Membership, you’ll gain unlimited access to all required courses, plus exclusive professional development resources, certifications, and learning tools designed to help you grow your career.
Steps to Renew Your Real Estate License
Renewal information will be sent to your home address in mid-July.
Renew your license online
To renew online, visit the AREC Online Services Portal. You’ll need to enter your birth date in the following format: MM/DD/YYYY (e.g., 01/09/1956) and your full license number, including leading zeros (e.g., PB00001234 or SA00057890). Accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or eCheck.
Renew your license by mail
If you’re renewing by mail, ensure your renewal fee is accompanied by the proper renewal form. Submissions without the fee or form will be returned and delay the process.
Continuing education requirements
Active license renewals require the completion of seven (7) hours of continuing education. While most education providers report CE completion to AREC electronically, it’s your responsibility to ensure it’s submitted by the deadline. If your provider doesn’t report electronically, mail your CE certificate directly to AREC. Licenses will be placed on inactive status if CE isn’t submitted, and a $30 fee will apply to activate the license.
Make sure to renew early to avoid last-minute delays!
Key Deadlines and Expiration Procedures
Timing is everything when it comes to license renewal. Missing a deadline can result in additional fees and potential complications.
Annual renewal deadlines
Your Arkansas real estate license expires on December 31 each year. To avoid late fees and keep your license active, plan to complete your CE and submit your renewal application well before this date. Many licensees aim to renew by September 30 to take advantage of lower renewal fees.
Consequences of missing the renewal date
If you don’t renew by December 31, your license will expire. You’ll need to pay higher late renewal fees and may face additional reinstatement requirements. Don’t let procrastination put your license at risk.
Procedures for renewing an expired or inactive license
If your license has expired or is currently inactive, you can still renew it. Inactive licenses can be renewed online through the AREC portal. When reactivating an expired license, be prepared to show proof of continuing education completed during the activation year or the preceding calendar year.
Common Renewal Mistakes and Best Practices
Even experienced agents can run into trouble during the renewal process. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow.
Avoiding procrastination and system delays
Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your CE or submit your renewal. Technical issues, processing delays, and other unforeseen problems can arise. Start your renewal process at least a few weeks before the deadline to give yourself plenty of buffer time.
Ensuring complete and accurate applications
Incomplete or inaccurate renewal applications can lead to processing delays. Double-check that you’ve answered all questions, included the correct fees, attached your CE certificate, and obtained the necessary signatures from your broker. Taking a few extra minutes to review your application can save you headaches later.
Renewal Fees and Associated Costs
Understanding the fee structure will help you budget for your renewal and potentially save money with early planning.
Cost structure for different license types
Arkansas renewal fees vary depending on your license type and when you submit your renewal. These are the renewal costs for the 2026 deadline.
- Salesperson license: $60
- Broker license: $80
- Duplicate license: $30
If You Renew After September 30:
- Salesperson license: $80
- Broker license: $110
- Duplicate license: $60
Early renewal benefits
Renewing by September 30 saves you $20 to $30, depending on your license type. If you’re managing multiple licenses or want to keep costs down, aim for the early renewal window.
Frequently Asked Questions and Special Circumstances
Let’s address some common questions and special situations that may apply to your renewal.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes, you can renew your license before the December 31 deadline. In fact, renewing early is encouraged. Renewal Information will go to home addresses in the middle of July. If you renew by September 30, you’ll benefit from lower fees and avoid the stress of last-minute deadlines.
Are there CE exemptions for military personnel?
Arkansas offers considerations for military personnel. If you believe you qualify for a CE exemption or waiver, contact AREC for specific guidance and to request the appropriate forms.
Can I carry over CE hours?
Generally, continuing education hours must be completed within the renewal cycle and cannot be carried over to the next year. However, if you have questions about specific circumstances, reach out to AREC for clarification.
How do I confirm CE completion with AREC?
Your CE provider should report your completed hours directly to AREC. You can verify that your CE has been recorded by contacting the commission at 501-683-8010 or by checking your license status through the AREC online services.
Resources and Support for License Renewal
You don’t have to navigate the renewal process alone. Take advantage of the resources available to you.
AREC online services and tools
The Arkansas Real Estate Commission offers several online services to make your renewal easier. Visit the AREC website to access the online renewal portal for inactive licenses, search the real estate agent roster, and find approved education providers.
Arkansas Real Estate Commission
Website: https://arec.arkansas.gov/
Phone: 501-683-8010
Address: 612 South Summit Street, Little Rock, AR 72201-4740
Arkansas License Lookup Website
Stay Ahead and Renew with Confidence
Renewing your Arkansas real estate license doesn’t have to be stressful. By completing your seven hours of continuing education, understanding the fee structure, and submitting your renewal application on time, you’ll keep your license active and avoid unnecessary penalties. Start early, choose AREC-approved courses, and take advantage of resources like Colibri Real Estate’s CE Membership to make the process smooth and support your professional development. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to continue serving your clients and building your career in 2026 and beyond.
Get started with Colibri Real Estate CE Membership today and gain unlimited access to Arkansas-approved continuing education, free and discounted professional certifications, and exclusive learning tools designed to help you succeed.
