Once you obtain your real estate license, it’s up to you to be up to speed on renewal requirements.
And, naturally, you’ll have questions about that process. At the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate –
the oldest school of its kind in Savannah – we routinely get questions about the renewal process for
a Georgia real estate license and what that all entails. So, we thought that a quick summary of
answers to the questions most often asked would be a handy resource, especially for newer agents
as well as agents/brokers who are new to Georgia.
So here goes.
And, naturally, you’ll have questions about that process. At the Ben Farmer School of Real Estate –
the oldest school of its kind in Savannah – we routinely get questions about the renewal process for
a Georgia real estate license and what that all entails. So, we thought that a quick summary of
answers to the questions most often asked would be a handy resource, especially for newer agents
as well as agents/brokers who are new to Georgia.
So here goes.
How long is my Georgia real estate license good for?
The renewal clock starts ticking with your licensure year and, whether you are an agent or a broker,
you must renew every four years after that to keep your license current. Renewal is due no later
than midnight on the last day of your birthday month in the designated year. There is no grace
period if that day falls on a holiday or weekend, so plan accordingly.
The renewal clock starts ticking with your licensure year and, whether you are an agent or a broker,
you must renew every four years after that to keep your license current. Renewal is due no later
than midnight on the last day of your birthday month in the designated year. There is no grace
period if that day falls on a holiday or weekend, so plan accordingly.
What are my options for renewing?
The quickest and easiest way to renew is via the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s online renewal
system, which is available 24/7. You also have the option to download the application from the
commission website, complete it and submit via fax, courier or snail mail, or deliver it in person.
The quickest and easiest way to renew is via the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s online renewal
system, which is available 24/7. You also have the option to download the application from the
commission website, complete it and submit via fax, courier or snail mail, or deliver it in person.
How much does renewal cost?
The renewal fee for a salesperson is $125; the cost is the same for brokers and associate brokers. If
you renew online, you’ll get a $25 discount.
The renewal fee for a salesperson is $125; the cost is the same for brokers and associate brokers. If
you renew online, you’ll get a $25 discount.
What happens if my renewal is late?
If you don’t pay the fee by the due date, your license will lapse. Versus renewing, you’ll then need to reinstate it. You can do so online if you don’t let a year pass by. If you wait more than 12 months, you’ll have to send in a Reinstatement Application. Either way, you’ll pay a late fee.
How far in advance can I renew?
Your renewal window opens four months before the due date. So, you can renew as early as 120 days out, or at any time within that window.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license is inactive?
Yes, you do, if you want to maintain your license. If you fail to pay your renewal fee on time, your license will lapse even if it is on inactive status. Renew by the due date so that your license is current, and then when you’re ready to be active in the business again you can reactivate it.
If you don’t pay the fee by the due date, your license will lapse. Versus renewing, you’ll then need to reinstate it. You can do so online if you don’t let a year pass by. If you wait more than 12 months, you’ll have to send in a Reinstatement Application. Either way, you’ll pay a late fee.
How far in advance can I renew?
Your renewal window opens four months before the due date. So, you can renew as early as 120 days out, or at any time within that window.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license is inactive?
Yes, you do, if you want to maintain your license. If you fail to pay your renewal fee on time, your license will lapse even if it is on inactive status. Renew by the due date so that your license is current, and then when you’re ready to be active in the business again you can reactivate it.
I’m an agent renewing for the first time. What continuing education (CE) do I need?
If your license is active when you renew, you’re required to complete 36 CE hours. The Post-License course counts as nine hours toward that requirement. That leaves 27 additional hours, including a mandatory three hours in license law. The Ben Farmer School of Real Estate makes it easy for you to fulfill both elective and mandatory hours. We offer a wide range of approved CE courses that you can take online – studying at your own pace and wherever it suits you.
Do agents and brokers have the same CE hour requirement for renewal?
Yes, the requirement is at least 36 hours of approved coursework – including the three compulsory license law hours – during each 4-year renewal period. This applies to everyone who holds an active Georgia real estate license (except grandfathered licensees). Whether you take individual courses or opt for a package of courses such as our school’s Complete CE package is up to you.
Can I still renew if I don’t finish my CE courses in time?
You can. And if you do, it will give you time to finish the required CE and save the expense of paying a reinstatement fee. Be aware, though, that your license will renew to inactive status and you won’t be able to conduct activities requiring a license until you complete the CE and activate your license.
Is it true that CE isn’t required for renewal if my license is inactive?
Yes, it is true that you don’t have to complete CE if you are maintaining your license on inactive status. This does not mean, however, that required CE hours don’t accumulate. They do, and you must finish them all before you can return to conducting business as an active licensee.
Still have questions? Check out the frequently asked questions section of the commission website to see if the answer you are looking for is among those included there. The commission also has Information Specialists available to provide assistance to licensees in a variety of ways. You can contact an Information Specialist via the website email form.
If your license is active when you renew, you’re required to complete 36 CE hours. The Post-License course counts as nine hours toward that requirement. That leaves 27 additional hours, including a mandatory three hours in license law. The Ben Farmer School of Real Estate makes it easy for you to fulfill both elective and mandatory hours. We offer a wide range of approved CE courses that you can take online – studying at your own pace and wherever it suits you.
Do agents and brokers have the same CE hour requirement for renewal?
Yes, the requirement is at least 36 hours of approved coursework – including the three compulsory license law hours – during each 4-year renewal period. This applies to everyone who holds an active Georgia real estate license (except grandfathered licensees). Whether you take individual courses or opt for a package of courses such as our school’s Complete CE package is up to you.
Can I still renew if I don’t finish my CE courses in time?
You can. And if you do, it will give you time to finish the required CE and save the expense of paying a reinstatement fee. Be aware, though, that your license will renew to inactive status and you won’t be able to conduct activities requiring a license until you complete the CE and activate your license.
Is it true that CE isn’t required for renewal if my license is inactive?
Yes, it is true that you don’t have to complete CE if you are maintaining your license on inactive status. This does not mean, however, that required CE hours don’t accumulate. They do, and you must finish them all before you can return to conducting business as an active licensee.
Still have questions? Check out the frequently asked questions section of the commission website to see if the answer you are looking for is among those included there. The commission also has Information Specialists available to provide assistance to licensees in a variety of ways. You can contact an Information Specialist via the website email form.
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