Montana Real Estate CE and License Renewal Requirements

Montana real estate licenses expire every year on October 31, and active licensees must complete 12 hours of Board-approved real estate CE to renew. The Montana Board of Realty Regulation administers all continuing education requirements under ARM 24.210.667^[1], with the licensing year running from November 1 through October 31. Renewal opens 60 days before the expiration date, giving licensees from early September through October 31 to submit paperwork and fees.

Montana real estate license renewal process

Montana real estate license renewal is completed through the state's online eBiz portal or by mail. The Board of Realty Regulation renewal page^[2] confirms that the online system is available throughout the renewal cycle, with staff assistance during business hours.

All licensees must maintain continuous errors and omissions (E&O) insurance coverage under MCA 37-51-325^[3].

Montana real estate renewal fees by license type

Each license type carries a different renewal fee, with active licenses costing more than inactive licenses. The salesperson licensing page^[4] lists the salesperson renewal fee at $80 for an active license and $40 for an inactive license. The broker licensing page^[5], updated December 2025, lists the broker renewal fee at $90 for an active license and $45 for an inactive license.

The property manager renewal fee includes a $5 contingent litigation fee in addition to the $50 base fee, per the Montana property manager licensing page^[6]. The supervising broker endorsement does not carry a separate renewal fee; it is maintained as part of the underlying broker license. Obtaining the endorsement requires completing an 8-hour approved supervising broker pre-endorsement course, per the Board's continuing education page^[1].

Montana continuing education hour requirements

Active license renewal requires completing continuing education approved by the Board each licensing year.

Montana does not designate mandatory core subjects for salespersons or non-supervising brokers, so all CE hours may be taken as electives from Board-approved or ARELLO-certified courses. The Board may designate a mandatory core course for certain renewal periods, but none is designated for salespersons or non-supervising brokers as of the latest rulemaking. Course topics commonly available include ethics, agency, contracts, trust accounts, real estate law, and fair housing.

Supervising broker CE requirements

Supervising brokers face an additional subject-area requirement within their annual CE total.

First-renewal CE exceptions

Salespersons licensed for less than 12 months at their first renewal are exempt from the CE requirement. The Montana Association of REALTORS®^[7] confirms that no continuing education is required for salesperson licensees who are licensed less than 12 months on their first renewal. First-time licensees must still renew by October 31, but their CE obligation may be prorated based on issue date for subsequent renewals.

Property manager CE requirements

Property managers must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually, the same standard that applies to salespersons and brokers. The Montana property manager licensing page^[6] lists this requirement. Property managers are licensed under a separate program within the Board of Realty Regulation but follow the same annual renewal cycle.

Taking Montana real estate CE courses online

Montana permits licensees to complete every required CE hour through online courses from Board-approved providers, with no restriction on the number of online hours.

The Board accepts any course with ARELLO certification for Montana CE credit, according to its continuing education page^[1]. Board-approved providers offer courses in both online and in-person formats, giving licensees flexibility in how they complete their annual hours.

CE compliance, record-keeping, and audits

Montana licensees are responsible for documenting their own CE completions because the Board does not require course providers to submit completion records.

The Board periodically reviews CE records to confirm compliance. If audited, licensees must produce certificates of completion as proof. Failing to complete the required hours before renewal can result in license suspension or other disciplinary action. For CE questions, contact the Board at (406) 444-5696 or AUDIT@MT.GOV.

Late renewal and license reinstatement

Missing the October 31 deadline causes the license to expire. Montana provides a short grace period during which licensees can renew with a late penalty, but after the grace period ends, reinstatement may be necessary and can involve additional CE obligations beyond the standard annual requirement. If reinstatement is not completed, the Board may terminate the license, requiring the individual to reapply and meet all current licensing requirements from the beginning. A 2025 Montana law, HB 276, requires licensees to report any change of mailing address to the Board within 30 days, and keeping contact information current ensures renewal notifications arrive on time. Licensees facing a missed deadline should contact the Board directly to understand the available options and applicable fees.

Renewing as inactive in Montana

Licensees who do not plan to practice can renew as inactive at a reduced fee with no CE obligation. The salesperson inactive renewal fee is $40, and the broker inactive renewal fee is $45, per the salesperson^[4] and broker^[5] licensing pages. Inactive licensees cannot engage in real estate transactions. To reactivate, licensees must meet the Board's current requirements for returning to active status.

NAR Code of Ethics and Fair Housing training

NAR members face separate training requirements administered by the National Association of REALTORS®, distinct from Montana's state CE obligation.

These NAR requirements do not satisfy the state's annual CE hours, though some course providers offer classes that meet both NAR and state CE standards. The NAR education page^[8] provides a state-by-state directory of CE requirements and administers the triennial training cycles.

What to do next

Complete your required CE hours before October 31, verify your E&O insurance is current, and renew through the online portal during the renewal window. Keep all CE certificates organized by licensing year in case of audit, and report any address changes to the Board as required under HB 276.