What Can You Do with an Inactive License and How Do You Keep It Active?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate activities or earn any commission for your work. An active license means you are licensed to perform real estate activities like sell and lease properties, and be compensated for your work.
 

Alaska

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Alaska?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate salesperson activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate salesperson activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

When you are ready to reactivate your Alaska Salesperson license, you need to fill out an application to change license status. Fill in all the applicable biographical information, employing broker information, and pay the $150 inactive to active license fee.

If you wish to move your salesperson license from an active to an inactive status, you must file an application to change license status with the Real Estate Commission. Your terminating broker needs to sign and date your license. Follow all other instructions in the change license status form for inactivation.

Arkansas

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Arkansas?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

An Arkansas inactive salesperson license can be reactivated by submitting proof of completing seven classroom hours or equivalent continuing education units for each year the individual renewed as inactive. The classroom hours are not to exceed 30 classroom hours. You may also need to provide additional information on the Activation Form and pay the required fee. The activation fee is $30.

To go on inactive status with your Arkansas real estate license, you must return your signed license and pocket card to your principal broker, who returns these to the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. At this point, your license will be placed on inactive status. If you are a new license holder, you will need to ask the AREC for an application for licensure as an inactive salesperson after passing the exam.

California

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in California?

If you have an inactive real estate license in California, there is a period of two years before it expires. While your license remains inactive, you won’t be able to engage in any brokerage activity or sales of real estate. So, to renew the inactive license, you’ll need to submit an application for renewal, complete 45 hours of continuing education, and pay the renewal fee. Renewing it late (but within the two year inactive window) means you’ll also have to pay a late renewal fee.

Colorado

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Colorado?

An active license allows you to legally work as a real estate broker, representing buyers and sellers transacting real estate. An inactive license does not allow you to work as a real estate broker and earn a commission.

When you want to move your license from inactive to active, first make sure you have addressed why it is inactive. The CDRE will want proof of education, current E&O insurance, an employing broker, and an approved background check. If you meet those requirements, go online to fill out an activation of license form.

If you submit a broker license application without current E&O insurance or without identifying an employing broker, your license will be designated inactive. An active broker can also request that their license be made inactive.

Connecticut

How to keep real estate license active in Connecticut?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate salesperson activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

Delaware

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Delaware?

An active license means you are licensed to perform real estate brokerage activities and be compensated for your work. If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities or earn any commission for your work.

When you are ready to resume an active salesperson license, you can reactivate by notifying the Commission that you intend to reactivate your license. You'll need to satisfy the continuing education requirements for every renewal period your license was inactive and pay the biennial registration fees.

An active licensee can change to inactive status for an unlimited amount of time. You need to log into your DELPROS account and follow the steps to change your license to inactive. The inactive license status change request is $45.

Florida

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Florida?

A Florida active real estate license is required to engage in real estate services. Sales associates gain active status by finding a licensed Florida real estate broker and registering with the DBPR under the supervision of their employing broker.

Licensees who do not yet have a sponsoring broker will have their license placed on inactive status until they have a broker and activate their license. An agent can also choose to go on inactive status if they do not want to actively engage in the real estate business. It’s important to note that you may only practice real estate with an active license.

A Florida real estate licensee may reactivate a license that has been involuntarily inactive for 12 months (or less) by completing a minimum of 14 hours of an FREC-prescribed continuing education course. The appropriate DBPR form to use is the DBPR RE 11.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Florida Statute 455.271, a real estate licensee has the option to reactivate a real estate license that has been involuntarily inactive for more than one year, but fewer than two years, by completing 28 hours of FREC-approved education coursework.

Any real estate license that has been involuntarily inactive for more than two years automatically expires. When a Florida real estate license expires, the license becomes null and void without a need for any action by the FREC or the DBPR.

The DBPR will notify the Florida real estate licensee 90 days before a real estate license expires. The FREC shall set a fee that is not to exceed $100 for the late renewal of an involuntary inactive license. The DBPR will be responsible for the collection of renewal fees for each renewal period in which the license was involuntarily inactive plus any other applicable late renewal fees.

The Florida Real Estate Commission may reinstate the license of an individual whose license has become void if the Commission deems that the licensee’s failure to comply was due to an illness or economic hardship. The licensee with an expired license must apply to the Florida Real Estate Commission to reinstate their license within six months from the real estate license expiration date.

This licensee must meet the continuing education requirements prescribed by law, pay appropriate licensing fees, and otherwise be eligible for renewal of licensure according to Florida law.

A licensee may change an active license to a voluntary inactive license by submitting the request to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. This is known as a voluntary inactive license.

If you fail to renew your active (or voluntary inactive) license prior to the expiration date, (other than the first renewal), the real estate license automatically reverts to a status of involuntary inactive.

Florida real estate licensees must finish their continuing education requirements and renew their license to either active status or voluntary inactive status within two years. A Florida real estate license can be placed in involuntary inactive status for a maximum of two years, after which the license automatically expires.

Georgia

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Georgia?

Once you pass the Georgia real estate state exam, you can then apply for your real estate license. You can apply for either an active license or inactive license.

An active license means you have a sponsoring broker, which allows you to engage in real estate brokerage activities, such as selling or leasing properties.

An inactive license means you do not have a sponsoring broker and you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities.

Both active and inactive licensees must complete the 25-hour Georgia Sales Postlicense course within one year of obtaining their license. However, only active licensees are required to complete 36-hour continuing education credits every four-year renewal period.

Both active and inactive licensees must pay their renewal fee every four years.

If you wish to change your license from an inactive license to an active license, you must complete the Real Estate Change Application.

Hawaii

How to keep real estate license active in Hawaii?

Active real estate licenses say that you have been all of the state's licensing requirements. You are authorized to assist with real estate transactions and be paid for your work. Inactive real estate licenses say that you have met the licensing requirements but you are not currently authorized to assist with real estate transactions and be compensated.

Reactivating your Hawaii salesperson license required you to download the change form. Follow all the instructions and fill out all the fields. You will check the box “Reactivate License.” If you have been inactive for one or more renewal periods, you must meet the continuing education hours. The fee for reactivation is $25.

Start by downloading the license change form. You'll need to fill out the fields and select “Place License Inactive.” Follow all of the instructions and make sure you have your principal broker or broker-in-charge’s signature. Turn in the original to the Hawaii Real Estate Commission.

Idaho

How to keep real estate license active in Idaho?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

Once you hold an Idaho salesperson license, your hiring broker is responsible for activating your license. They will go to the IREC online services to activate your license.

The Idaho Real Estate Commission initially issues all licenses on inactive status. Any other changes while actively licensed can be made through online services.

Illinois

How to keep real estate license active in Illinois?

An active license allows you to transact real estate for others and earn a commission for your efforts. An inactive license says that you have met the state's licensing requirements, but you are not currently authorized to earn a commission for assisting with real estate transactions.

To reactivate an inactive broker license, you will need to go to the online services portal. Follow the directions and make sure you indicate a managing broker. Depending on how long you have been on inactive status, you may need to submit a paper application for the reinstatement of your broker license.

Log in to the online services portal to place your license on inactive status. If you leave your license on inactive status for five years or longer, you may need to submit a restoring application and additional documentation.

Indiana

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Indiana?

An active license enables you to legally work as a real estate broker, representing buyers and sellers transacting real estate. An inactive license does not allow you to work as a real estate broker. You don’t need to meet the continuing education requirements when you have an inactive license.

When you want to move your license from unassigned or inactive to active, you’ll need to fill out an activation of license form.

You can specifically request an inactive real estate license on your broker application form, or request to change your status on alicense activation form.

Iowa

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Iowa?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

Every scenario is different, so you will need to contact the Iowa Real Estate Commission staff at [email protected] or (515) 725-9022. They will look at how long you have been inactive and if there are any particular requirements for your case. For most individuals moving from inactive to active, you will log into my Iowa PLB and submit a “Change Of Status From Inactive To Active” application.

Your employing broker must submit a request to “Change Affiliated Licensee Status To Inactive” form. An individual salesperson cannot Place their license on inactive status. It must be submitted by the employing broker through the My Iowa PLB platform.

Kansas

What is an inactive real estate license in Kansas?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

To reactivate your Kansas salesperson license, log in to My License E-gov and select reactivation. The reactivation fee is $15, and your continuing education requirements must be met.

Kansas original salesperson licenses will be issued on inactive status. If you are an active licensee seeking an active status, you need to log into My License E-gov and select “affiliation change.”

Kentucky

What is an inactive real estate license in Kentucky?

An active real estate license says that you have met all of the licensing requirements for the state of Kentucky, that you are in good standing, and that you are authorized to assist with the purchase, sale, lease, or management of Real Estate and be paid for your work. An inactive license says that you have met the licensing requirements, but you are not currently authorized to assist with real estate transactions and be paid for your work.

To make any changes to your licensing status, you will need to file a License Status And Personal Information Update Form with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission. Reactivating your license will cost $10, and you must submit updated insurance coverage information. Follow the instructions on the form regarding additional paperwork that you may need to activate your license.

Changing your licensing status requires you to file a License Status And Personal Information Update Form with the Kentucky Real Estate Commission. Inactivating your license will cost $10, and you must renew your license while inactive or it can be canceled.

Louisiana

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Louisiana?

An active license allows you to legally work as a real estate salesperson, representing buyers and sellers in transacting Louisiana real estate. An inactive license does not allow you to work as a real estate salesperson and earn a commission.

When you want to move your license from inactive to active, first make sure you have current E&O insurance, a sponsoring broker, and an approved background check. Make sure you’ve met any continuing education requirements. If you meet those requirements, go to the MyLREC Portal for the activation of license form.

You can submit an inactive license application without current E&O insurance or identifying a sponsoring broker. An active salesperson can also request their license be made inactive with the same application.

Maine

What is an inactive real estate license in Maine?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent, perform real estate sales brokerage activities, and be compensated for your work. If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate sales brokerage activities or earn any commission for your work.

You need to fill out a change of license application form to return to active status. You also need to meet certain continuing education requirements. Licensees who activate within six years of the initial inactive license meet Commission approved clock hours as follows:

• Inactive 0-2 years – 21 hours of continuing education including the current core course completed within the previous two-year cycle;
• Inactive 2-4 years – 28 hours of continuing education (including the current core course) completed within the previous two-year cycle;
• Inactive 4-6 years - 36 hours of continuing education (including the current core course) completed within the previous two-year cycle;

If you have an inactive for six or more years you need to complete the Maine Law exam and submit a new license application.

It is highly recommended to NOT get an inactive sales agent license. This type of license is only good for two years, is nonrenewable, and is required to hold before you can apply for an associate broker license. If you still want to be inactive, you need to fill out a change of license application and pay a $20 fee.

Maryland

What is an inactive real estate license in Maryland?

An active real estate license says that you are legally able to help residential or commercial clients in the purchase, sale, lease, or management of real property and earn a commission for your efforts. An inactive license means you have met the requirements of the Maryland Real Estate Commission to hold a real estate license, but you are not legally able to help in real estate transactions and be compensated for your work.

Once you have been issued a license, it will be managed online. You'll have to log on to the licensing portal and request to change your status. You can find the option under the Features section.

When you submit your license application online, you can request an inactive license. No affiliation with a Maryland license broker is required. However, you also cannot perform licensed real estate activities.

Massachusetts

What is an inactive real estate license in Massachusetts?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot legally engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

To reactivate your Massachusetts license, you must complete a license reactivation form that is found on the board of Licensing website under applications and forms. Complete the form and email it to the board. It takes 2 to 3 business days to process this request, and 4 to 6 weeks to receive your wallet license.

Michigan

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Michigan?

Having an inactive real estate license in Michigan means that you can’t engage in real estate sales. However, you can still mentor and consult, or carry out real estate referrals with your industry knowledge and contacts. You will have three years from the expiration date of your license within which to reinstate it. If you do not reinstate the license within three years, you’ll have to retake the 40-hour pre-license course, as well as retake and pass the state licensing exam, and submit a whole new license application.

Mississippi

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Mississippi?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

When you are ready to resume work as an active Mississippi real estate salesperson, you need to submit the reactivation of salesperson application to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission. Make sure you include the responsible broker information, or the application will not be processed. Your continuing education must be up-to-date. Include the $50 reactivation fee.

Any real estate professionals seeking to inactivate their license must fill out the inactive status address form. You will need to pay a $25 processing fee.

Missouri

What can you do with an inactive real estate license in Missouri?

When a Missouri real estate license is in an active status, the licensee is allowed to engage in those activities defined by Missouri law as real estate activities. Licensees who have licenses in an inactive status cannot practice real estate in the State of Missouri. Additionally, an inactive licensee does not need to complete continuing education during the time the license is inactive. However, the Missouri real estate licensee will need to complete the Missouri 24-hour Real Estate Practice (MREP) course before applying to activate their real estate license.

To reactivate a Missouri real estate license that has been in an inactive status for more than six months, the licensee must submit a completion certificate for the 24-hour MREP (Missouri Real Estate Practice) course when submitting the renewal or change of status paperwork. Note that the completion certificate for the 24-hour MREP course must be less than six months old. Missouri Application General Instructions – Page 2.

Missouri licensees can place their real estate license in an inactive status by completing the Missouri Information and License Change form as follows:

· The Missouri licensee completes sections 1A through 1C.

· The salesperson’s broker completes 2A and returns the original salesperson license with the form.

Note: before an inactive licensee in Missouri can reactivate their real estate license (by returning the license to active status), they must complete the 24-hour Missouri Real Estate Practice course. MREC Board rules 2250-4.040.

An inactive real estate salesperson license in Missouri is renewed every other year, on or before September 30. MREC Board Rule CSR 2250-4.050 (6).

Montana

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Montana?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for your work. If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities or earn any commission for your work.

You need to fill out a status change form and prove you have met the current continuing education requirements. When you change from inactive to active, the fee is $75.

You can receive an inactive Montana license by requesting your license be placed on inactive status. You must still renew each renewal period. You don't need to report your continuing education until you return to active status.

Nebraska

How long can a real estate license be inactive in Nebraska?

If you hold an inactive real estate license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active salesperson license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

You will need to meet any required continuing education you may still need. You will need to go online to the license portal and fill out a transfer form from inactive to active status.

There are two ways you can get an inactive Nebraska Real Estate salesperson license. You can either request to be placed on inactive status by going to the licensee portal or your broker can submit a termination of affiliation form to the Commission office. You will go inactive on the date the Commission receives the request.

Nevada

What is an inactive real estate license in Nevada?

An inactive license says that you have met all the requirements to hold a Nevada salesperson license, but you are not currently authorized to transact real estate and earn a commission for your efforts. An active license says that you can assist with the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate and be paid for your work.

To reactivate a license, you’ll need to submit Form 544 and the applicable application fees. The reinstatement fee for a voluntary inactivated license is $20. You may also owe license renewal fees, depending on when you reactivate it. If you’ve been inactive for at least one year, you’ll also need new fingerprints. Anyone inactive for 24 months or greater must also retake the state portion of the licensing exam.

To get an inactive Nevada real estate license, you must return your original license with a signed termination notice Form 505 from the broker.

New Hampshire

What is an inactive real estate license in New Hampshire?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage work such as consultations, marketing, and negotiations, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

How do I change from an inactive to an active NH license?

When you’re ready to re-activate your license, you need the “Activation of an Inactive License” form. It must be signed by your principal broker, include a $20 amendment fee, and may need proof of your continuing education.

To change from an active to inactive real estate license, all you need to do is fill out a “De-activation of an Active License” form. Send it to the NHREC with your original wall license and pocket card.

New Jersey

What is an inactive real estate license in New Jersey?

An active license enables you to help clients with all of their real estate purchase, sale, and leasing needs and earn a commission for your work. An inactive license means you have met the requirements to hold a New Jersey salesperson license, but you are not currently authorized to work as a real estate salesperson and earn a commission.

When you like your license to return to active status, you can have your license electronically updated by your managing broker through the Rec Brokers Portal. If you have transferred brokers, a $25 transfer fee is made payable by check or company credit card. You can also submit a paper transfer application.

You can request an inactive New Jersey real estate license by writing a formal letter of resignation to your current managing broker. Your broker will then go to the New Jersey Real Estate Online Licensing Services and inactivate your license.

New Mexico

What is an inactive real estate license in New Mexico?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

If you decide to inactivate your license, you need to request a change of status with your qualifying broker. Your broker-in-charge will return your license to the New Mexico Real Estate Commission. The NMREC will inactivate your license and hold on to it.

You can initially receive an inactive New Mexico real estate broker license if a supervisory broker has not hired you. You will submit your license application with all supporting materials but without completing the certifying section.

If you are currently licensed, you need to request to be placed on inactive status by returning your license to the qualifying broker in charge. Your qualifying broker will return the license to the real estate commission, and it will be inactivated.

New York

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in New York?

For a New York real estate license that has expired, there is a two-year period from the date of expiration wherein you can renew your license. With an inactive license, you will not be able to conduct brokerage activity or any real estate sales. To reinstate your license within the grace period, you’ll need to complete 22.5 hours of CE Credits with an approved school. Then you can submit your license renewal application and pay the renewal fee through eAccessNY.

North Carolina

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in North Carolina?

According to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, if you fail to complete your required continuing education by the official deadline of June 10, the status of your license will switch to inactive at midnight on June 30. Once that happens, you’ll have to immediately halt all brokerage activity until you are able to revert your license back to its active status.

North Dakota

What is an inactive real estate license in North Dakota?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for your work. An inactive license means you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities or earn any commission for your work.

If you have been on inactive license status, you can return to active status by completing the transfer or activate license request form and paying a $50 fee.

To make your North Dakota real estate license inactive, you'll need to make an inactive status request with the North Dakota Real Estate Commission. The request must be signed by your broker. Your inactive license must be renewed each year by November 15.

Ohio

What is an inactive real estate license in Ohio?

An active license allows you to legally work as a real estate salesperson, representing buyers and sellers transacting real estate. An inactive license does not allow you to work as a real estate salesperson and earn a commission.

You can ask for your license to be reactivated by submitting the salesperson transfer/reactivation application. You'll need to pay a $34 fee.

You can't initially receive an inactive Ohio real estate license. You can request that an active license be made inactive by filling out the Transfer/Reactivation request form.

Oklahoma

What is an inactive real estate license in Oklahoma?

An active license enables you to work in the business of real estate and earn a commission for your efforts. Having an inactive license says that you have met the licensing requirements and are in good standing, but you are not currently approved to earn a commission while conducting a real estate business.

When you are ready to move your license to active status, you will need to go online to the licensing portal. Make sure you input your broker information. The activate sales associate fee will be $135.

Any changes to the status of your Oklahoma salesperson license must be done online through the licensing portal.

Oregon

What is an inactive real estate license in Oregon?

An active license allows you to legally work as a real estate broker, representing buyers and sellers transacting real estate. An inactive license does not allow you to work as a real estate broker and earn a commission.

Oregon charges a $150 reactivation fee for inactive licenses. Make sure you meet any continuing education requirements and have a Principal Broker hire you. Go online to the Agency’s license portal to start the process of reactivating your license.

Pennsylvania

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a real estate license can remain inactive for an indefinite period if the licensee is completing the CE requirements every two years. During this period, you can continue to attend real estate conferences and build networks of contacts. However, conducting sales or brokerage activity is not legal with an inactive license. Once your license expires, you have a period of five years to renew it before you’ll have to retake the licensing exam.

Rhode Island

What is an inactive real estate license in Rhode Island?

If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities. An active license means you can work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for work as a real estate professional.

South Carolina

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in South Carolina?

Having an inactive real estate license in South Carolina means that you can’t engage in brokerage activity or any real estate sales. To reactivate your real estate license in South Carolina, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years. These 10 hours should include completion of the mandatory core course. However, the remaining hours can be devoted to elective courses. You could complete the CE from the previous biennium and then pay the license renewal fees along with the late fee.

South Dakota

What is an inactive real estate license in South Dakota?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent and perform real estate brokerage activities. An inactive license means you cannot participate in any real estate broker activities and earn any commission for your work.

Your qualifying broker must request your license be made active. They will contact the SDREC to change your license status.

All SD broker associate licenses are issued on inactive status unless you have the qualifying broker part of the application notarized.

Tennessee

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Tennessee?

Your Tennessee real estate license can remain inactive for a year from its expiration date. However, with an inactive license, you won’t be able to conduct any sales or brokerage activities. You can activate your license by completing the required continuous education from the previous biennium and paying the license renewal and late fee during your application. There is a $25 fee for changing from active to inactive status.

Texas

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Texas?

An active license means you work under a sponsoring broker. When you have an active real estate license, you can work as a real estate agent and perform real estate brokerage activities.

If you do not have a sponsoring broker, you will be issued an inactive real estate license. If you hold an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities.

You will receive an inactive license after passing the state exam and completing all of the requirements of your license application. With an inactive license, you will technically be a licensed Texas real agent; however, you will not be able to perform any real estate related activities. An active real estate license is needed to sell or lease real property and earn a commission in the process.

Once you are issued an inactive real estate license, you must complete a sponsorship request in order to obtain an active real estate license. You will need the help of your sponsoring broker in order to complete this process.

TREC recommends that you complete the sponsorship request online using their Online Licensing Service. This is the most efficient way to get an active real estate license.

You also have the option to mail in a Sales Agent Sponsorship Form-1. You must fill out section 1(B) of the form, while your sponsoring broker will complete section 2. Please note that all mailed applications are subject to a $30 paper filing fee.

Utah

What is an inactive real estate license in Utah?

Inactive real estate licenses mean that you hold a license in the system, but you are not legally able to represent buyers or sellers transacting real estate and earn a commission for your efforts. An active license means that you are legally allowed to represent buyers and sellers and earn a commission for your work.

To activate your license, you must submit a change form through the Real Estate License Management System (RELMS). You'll also need proof of having an active license at the last time of renewal, completing 18 hours of continuing education, including the Mandatory 3-hour course, or passing the licensing exam within the six-month period prior to the activation date.

You will be issued an inactive Utah real estate license if you are not affiliated with a principal broker. You can also be given an inactive license by completing a license change form found on the Real Estate License Management System (RELMS).

Vermont

What is an inactive real estate license in Vermont?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for your work. If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any brokerage activities or earn any commission for your work.

If you are changing back into active status during the same renewal period, you can reinstate your license by paying the reinstatement fee, renewal fee, and providing proof of the required hours of continuing or post-licensing education taken within the last 24 months.

If you are not renewing during the same cycle, you need to pay the renewal fee and the late renewal penalty, plus provide proof of the required hours of post-licensing education taken within the prior 24 months.

After your initial licensure, you can request an inactive license by going online to the Office of Professional Regulation and managing your license. You will need to pay a fee to transfer your license to inactive status.

Virginia

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Virginia?

If you hold an active Virginia real estate salesperson's license, you can practice/work as a real estate agent. However, if you hold an inactive license, you cannot perform any duties that require a real estate license.

You must work under a sponsoring broker in order to obtain an active license. If you do not have a sponsoring broker, the Board will issue you an inactive license.

If you hold an inactive Virginia real estate salesperson's license, you must submit a Salesperson Activate/Transfer Application by mail or online in order to activate your license. You must complete sections 8 & 9 of the application with your sponsoring broker's information. Your sponsoring broker will have to complete section 14. You also must have completed the required continuing education credits within the past two years.

You must include the following documentation with your application:

  • $60 application fee made payable by a credit card, check, or money order.
  • A Disciplinary Action Report Form if you have been subject to a disciplinary action taken by any local, state, or national regulatory body.
  • A Criminal Conviction Reporting Form if you have had any new criminal convictions since your inactive license was issued.


If you do not have a sponsoring broker when you submit your Virginia Salesperson License Application, the Board will issue you an inactive real estate license. Since you do not have a sponsoring broker, you do not have to complete sections 12, 13, & 18 on the application.

Washington

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Washington?

Having an inactive license in Washington means that you cannot engage in any brokerage deals and real estate sales. This also includes the collection of referral fees. If your license has been inactive for over three years, you’ll need to submit proof of successfully having completed a 30-hour course in real estate within one year before submitting your application for activating your license.

West Virginia

What is an inactive real estate license in West Virginia?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for your work. If you have an inactive license, you cannot conduct any real estate business or earn payment for your work.

Once you’re ready to be active again, you must first meet the continuing education requirements that would have been in place when the license was renewed. Get up to date with your CE and then request a change of status form. Make sure a licensed West Virginia broker supervises you.

You will need to contact the West Virginia Real Estate Commission at [email protected] or call 304-352-4205 to get a change of status form.

Wisconsin

What can you do with an inactive license and how do you keep it active in Wisconsin?

With an inactive real estate license in Wisconsin, you won’t be able to engage in any real estate sales or brokerage activities. You can stay inactive for up to five years without needing to take the pre-license education and passing the licensure examination again.

However, to maintain your license, you’ll be required to complete 18 hours of continuing education every two years. These 18 hours must include the completion of three hours for each of the six required course topics for Wisconsin. Complete the CE from the previous biennium and pay the license renewal and late fee to complete your activation.

Wyoming

What can you do with an inactive real estate license in Wyoming?

An active license means you are certified to work as a real estate agent, perform real estate brokerage activities, and be compensated for your work. If you have an inactive license, you cannot engage in any real estate brokerage activities or earn any commission for your work.

When you’re ready to resume active status as a Wyoming real estate license, you need to complete an Active Status Request form. You’ll need to include proof of errors and omissions insurance. You may need proof of 45 continuing education hours. The reactivation fee is $30.

You can’t be issued an inactive real estate license with the application. You can request an inactive license after being licensed. Complete the inactive status request form.

Related FAQs

Find out on our site what are the requirements for real estate license applications - broken down by each state. This is important information!
Read More
Learn how to apply for a real estate license or a broker's license. When should you do it? Check out the instructions for each State!
Read More
Does every state have a real estate license application fee? How much is it? When does it have to be paid? Learn all the details on our website!
Read More
Begin your real estate career today. Learn the minimum requirements and find out how to receive an active real estate license in your state with RealEstateU.
Read More
How to check the status of your real estate license in each State? Can you do it online? Learn all about it on our website.
Read More
If you’re wondering how to get a copy of your real estate license, we’ve got the answers. Explore licensing guides for your state with RealEstateU.
Read More
See answers to the question "Can I get a salesperson's license if I don't work for a broker?" for each state. Specific information for you!
Read More